A library database is a searchable collection of resources you can use for research such as articles, eBooks, audiobooks, encyclopedias, videos, and more. Students have access to subscription-only content that is kept behind expensive paywalls for the general public but CT State offers for free through the library.
Choosing your search terms is the most important step in your research process.
Using your research question, identify the most important 2 - 4 words from your research question.
These are your key concepts. For each key concept, make a list of synonyms or related words. Use a thesaurus to find synonyms, and/or list any specific examples of your concepts.
Combine your search terms using "and". For example, (texting and driving and teens)
Sample Research Question: How is artificial intelligence influencing careers in technology ?
Academic Search Complete is a great database to use for all research projects. It has over 8,000 journals on many different topics. You can find peer-reviewed articles as well as newspapers and popular magazines.
In Context: Opposing Viewpoints provides overviews of hundreds of current topics in the news. You can find scholarly articles as well as video, newspapers and magazines.
This video demonstrates two business databases: ABI Inform and Business Source Complete.