Using Reference Databases

The Arts & Sciences Libraries subscribe to various general reference databases that cover a broad range of topics. Most of these databases provide selected full-text articles, information about events, issues, and biographies of famous and important figures both current and historical. The following databases can help you find ideas for possible research topics.

• AccessScience (the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology)
  Provides full access to articles, dictionary terms, and hundreds of Research Updates in all areas of science and technology. Updated daily and provides weekly updates on breakthroughs and discoveries in the world of science and technology.

• Britannica Online
  The full version of the Encyclopedia Britannica, it contains full text articles with photographs and illustrations. Many of the articles in the online version are not found in the print version. The online version also provides 75,000 definitions from the Merriman-Webster Collegiate Dictionary, articles from magazines such as Newsweek and the Economist, and links to over 100,000 reviewed web sites.

• CQ Electronic Library
  Provides access to 3 major reference resources: CQ Public Affairs Collection - collection of public policy information using historical documents and primary source materials, statistical overviews, and directory contact information; CQ Researcher - reports and articles on current and controversial issues; CQ Weekly - provides coverage of the U.S. Congress: status of bills, votes and
  amendments, floor and committee activity.

• Encyclopedia of Life Sciences (ELS)
  Includes articles, essays and news in the biological and life sciences. Provides regularly updated reference information and links to other online resources.

• Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center
  Provides information on social issues as well as topic overviews, statistics, primary documents, links to websites, and full-text magazine and newspaper articles.