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CMST 220 - Public Speaking (Budak): Choose Databases

Library class guide for CMST 220 taught by Budak

Choose Databases

Choose Databases from Databases A-Z Tab


Introduction to Choosing Databases


The library subscribes to many databases (135!) that cover a broad range of subjects. Two databases, Academic Search Complete and ProQuest, are good databases to start with for just about every subject. Sometimes, though, you need to use a database that provides more journals for a specific subject. This tutorial shows you how to use LibGuides features to find subject-specific databases.

Choose Databases From the Subject List

  • Start at library.clark.edu.

  • Choose research.

  • Choose articles & databases.

  • Click the drop-down arrow for All Subjects. 

  • Find the broad subject that your topic would fall under.

  • For example, if your topic is grade inflation, the broad subject would be Education.

  • Select Education.

  • This page lists all the databases that are related to the topic you chose.

  • You may notice that Academic Search Complete and ProQuest show up on the list for just about every topic.  These two databases are always a good place to start.

Choose Databases from LibGuides Home Page

  • Start at library.clark.edu.

  • Click Research.

  • Select By Subject.

  • From the list, find the broad subject that your topic would fall under.

  • For example, if your topic is about grade inflation, you would search under Education.

  • Select Education.

  • You may find class guides or tutorials…

  • Click on the link for the Subject Homepage.

  • Click the tab for databases to see a list of all the library’s databases related to education.

Search Multiple EBSCOhost databases at the Same Time

  • Start at library.clark.edu.

  • Click "Research."

  • Click "Databases A-Z List."

  • Click "Academic Search Complete."

  • Click "Choose Databases."

  • Click the hyperlinked text above the search field that says "Academic Search Complete."

  • The pop-up screen lists all the databases available from the same company (EBSCOhost).

  • Click the databases that are related to your topic. 

  • For example, if your topic is grade inflation, click ERIC, because it’s a database full of articles on education topics.

  • Choose as many as you want.

  • Click "Select."

  • Click the hyperlinked text again to see al the databases you're searching.

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