FREQUENT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
ABOUT DATABASES
Q: WHAT IS AN ELECTRONIC DATABASE?
A: Electronic databases are special collections of thousands of
magazines,
scholarly journals, and books that you can search for
information on your topic.
Many of
them allow you to read and print the full-text
articles. Many also allow you to email
favorite articles to your home email address to read at
a later time.
Q: WHY NOT JUST USE THE INTERNET?
A: Much of what's out there on the internet is not trustworthy.
Starting your research using
our databases will result in quality articles and
information every time. These are the
sources your teacher wants to see in your bibliography,
as opposed to random websites
with questionable credentials.
Q: ISN'T ALL THIS INFORMATION ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB
ANYWAY?
A: No, it isn't. Many publishers, not to
mention the authors of the articles and books
themselves, have not given permission for their works
to be available free on the web. They
have licensed their works to the electronic databases
for a fee. This is why Central Bucks
must pay for subscriptions to the databases. We
think it's worth it because it's quality
information you can't find on the world wide web.
Q: CAN I ACCESS THE DATABASES FROM HOME?
A: Yes. Our databases below can be accessed from home by
using the passwords that appear
on the E-notes page under "West Library".
While at school, passwords are not necessary.
Q: HOW DO I KNOW WHICH DATABASES ARE THE BEST TO USE
FOR MY PROJECT?
A: Ask Ms. Graney! She's always happy to assist.
C.B. WEST
ELECTRONIC DATABASES for general and scholarly research.
