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Research Toolkit: Databases

Why use Databases?

  • Anyone can create a website, whether they know what they are talking about or not!
  • Databases provide access to reliable information from credible sources, which are only accessible through a paid subscription, so you won't be able to access this information in a general search engine such as Google.

The library subscribes to eLibrary and Gale Virtual Reference Centre which together cover a range of subjects and provide information from a range of sources. See below for more information. The Online Databases pamphlet gives you brief information about each database, but you will need to see the library staff for usernames and passwords.

Databases

Why databases are useful!

Tips for constructing search terms

Remember :

  • Use words that are likely to appear on most pages that cover your topic.
  • Ignore unnecessary terms like at or the
  • Capitalisation doesn't matter
  • Punctuation usually doesn't matter

 

Want to find current and/or scholarly information?

Then use eLibrary


Includes full text access to Australian and international newspapers, 2090 full-text magazines, newspapers, books, plus a collection of over 7 million maps, pictures, weblinks, and audio/video files. To login you will need the username and password from the library staff.


IMPORTANT : To access this database you need the username and password. The username and password is available from the library staff or come into the library and take a Library General information brochure from the library circulation desk.

 

Daymap Help Guides

Public Libraries SA

Ancestry.com

The Public Library system provides full access to Ancestry.com a database which has an extensive range of genealogical resources from the United States and United Kingdom, including census, vital, church, court, and immigration records. Also provides limited Australian coverage. You will need to visit your local public library to use this database.

Health and Wellbeing Resources

There are many websites that provide general health information and Public Libraries SA have reviewed some of the popular health websites to help link you to the information you are seeking.