Databases vs the Internet

QUESTION: What is the main difference between using library databases and search engines? ANSWER: Databases are NOT the Internet. We access databases with Internet browsers, but we are not searching the Internet.

The Internet  Is a collection of computer networks that share various types of information worldwide  The World Wide Web (www) is a small part of the Internet that is made up of ‘sites’ (or documents) that allow us to share Internet information  We access Internet information through URL addresses and/or search engines

Databases  A database is an organized collection of information  Database contents can be easily accessed, updated and managed  Databases can be found in different formats  Databases can be accessed via the Internet using browsers  Library databases include thousands of magazine articles, newspapers, and scholarly journals

QUESTION: Can’t I find the information contained in databases if I use Internet search engines? ANSWER: No. Copyright protects authors and publishers from other people copying their work without permission. If published material could be accessed for free on the Internet than authors and publishers couldn’t make money. Libraries pay to have access to this information through databases.

QUESTION: So which is best, the Internet or databases? ANSWER: It depends on the information you want. Consider that anyone can publish anything on the Internet so you must be willing to sort through and evaluate an Internet site’s content. Databases are more credible because publishers have checked the contents for accuracy and reliability.

Let’s Compare Library Databases Contain library catalogs, peer- reviewed scholarly journals, magazine and newspaper articles, online books, reference books and images. The Internet Contains personal and company web pages, , chat rooms, ads, current news and information, and some magazine or newspaper articles.

Let’s Compare Library Databases are reviewed by publishers and experts. The Internet is not reviewed, and anyone can put their ideas or opinions on the Internet.

Let’s Compare Library Databases cost money to the college and for this reason you are required to use a username and password to access them. The Internet is mostly free - search engines are free; most sites that you retrieve are also free.

QUESTION: So when it is important to use library databases instead of the Internet? ANSWER: If you are a student doing research and you are looking for reliable sources of information related to academic subjects. (most college instructors require database research) If you need reliable information from newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals, or biographical or statistical information.

QUESTION: And when should I use the Internet? ANSWER: You can use the Internet as a starting point for research, or just for fun -- but you should be willing to spend time sorting through the material to determine its reliability.

QUESTION: What do I look for when using the internet ANSWER: Determine the sites author and purpose  Look for sites that clearly state the site’s purpose  “About Us” section  Read mission, goals and purpose  Advocacy sites could be biased  Is there contact information readily available?  com = commerce – best to avoid in research

QUESTION: What do I look for when using the internet cont’d ANSWER: Assess the quality of information provided  Timeliness  How current is this information?  Is the site updated regularly?  Content  Are there spelling errors?  Is info supported by sources?  Does it seem biased?  Avoid sites with a lot of ads or sign-in requirements

QUESTION: What do I look for when using the internet cont’d ANSWER: Read the sites privacy policy and disclaimer statement  Privacy Policies  Help you understand the level of ownership the author claims for the content within  Lets you know how your personal information will be used  Disclaimer  A notice posted on a website explaining what the owner does and does not guarantee in regard to the sites’ content  "The information presented on this Web site should not take the place of legal or medical advice."

QUESTION: How do I find credible websites?  Be careful about using search engines  They use special formulas based on site popularity and key words, NOT credibility  Reputable sources  Government agencies (.gov)  Educational institutions (.edu)  National organizations (.org)  Military organizations (.mil)

Helpful Links  NAU Cline Library – Evaluating SourcesEvaluating Sources  Auburn University Library’s “What’s the difference between using a Database and the Internet?”“What’s the difference between using a Database and the Internet?”

Sources   Memorial- Library/webevaluation/webeval.htm