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SUNY Jefferson

ENG 225 Shakespeare Plays C. Pristash

What is a library database?

When we say library database we are generally referring to the tools we use to search for resources like journal, magazine, and newspaper articles.  However, some of our library databases can also be used to find educational videos or reference material such as encyclopedia entries. 

These library databases contain valuable information that can not be found on the world wide web.

Suggested Database

Note about keywords

Remember that keywords really are key to finding good material in any database. The fewer keywords you have, the more results you will get. If you add more keywords then your search will produce fewer results but they will also be more focused on your specific topic. So choosing one keyword is fine if you just want some general information about a general topic. But if you're looking from something a little more specific then you should add another keyword.  

For example, maybe I'm interested in reading literary criticism about The Fool in King Lear. Then I would combine both of those as keywords in my search in Literature Criticism Online.

Literature Criticism Online screenshot

Credo Reference Search

Reference databases can be a good place to start to get background information.  Although the entries are sometimes short, they still provide you with a solid foundation about your topic.

Try using Credo Reference

Credo Reference screenshot

Other suggested databases