Library databases are "containers" or collections of materials.
The types of published materials that may be featured in databases include but are not necessarily limited to:
magazines
journals
newspapers
ebooks
dissertations and theses
film and media
Some databases represent materials across a range of disciplines and content; other databases focus on items aligned with a specific focus—such as by discipline, demographic, language, and so forth.
Libraries subscribe to databases so that their users can access these materials, free of charge. (This is why most databases available via the Jim Dan Hill Library will require you to enter your UWS credentials for access.)
The University of Wisconsin-Superior is also able to offer our users access to select databases that are subscribed to by another Universities of Wisconsin campus, by the UW System, or by Badgerlink. All told, UWS patrons have over 175 databases available to them for their use.
This video explores the kinds of databases libraries subscribe to, and their value as a resource
(University of Minnesota Libraries, 2019, CC-NC-SA)
Why Use Library Databases?
Using Library Databases to Support Academic Research
Library databases, unlike online search engines, are dedicated to compiling and presenting an array of resources representing specific formats or in association with specific research needs and focus.
Library databases offer access to contained (and defined) resources.
Library databases tend to be organized by subject terms and keywords.
Many library databases specialize in offering peer-reviewed resources.
Library databases may offer access to compilations of proprietary knowledge and resources that may be otherwise unavailable.
