How to Search a Database

What Types of Databases Can I Find on the Web?

You'll find a range of databases on the Internet. Some of these, such as ERIC (http://www.eric.ed.gov), are freely available. Most databases on the Internet, however, are available by subscription only. Most often, your library will pay a fee that allows its users to access specific databases. Sometimes the licensing agreement will allow only computers in your library to access a database. In other cases, any computer connected to the campus network can have access. Contact your library to determine which databases you can access via the Internet.

Some of the most useful databases freely available on the Internet include:

• The ERIC Database (http://www.eric.ed.gov), which contains abstracts and, in some cases, the full text of documents and articles in the field of education.
• FedWorld Information Network (http://www.fedworld.gov/), which provides access to U.S. Government Web sites and U.S. Government documents, databases, and other information products.