1. There is a difference between library catalogs and library databases.

Library catalogs are managed by librarians and provide directions to library materials, whether they are physical or digital. Library databases are provided by vendors and store digital materials.

2. Different libraries provide access to different subscription databases.

You may have access to library databases through your public, academic, and/or state library. Databases can be interdisciplinary or subject specific, and different vendors (such as Ebscohost, Proquest, and Gale) sell competing databases covering the same subject matter through different publications. Understanding database scope and subject headings and fields will help you to search databases more effectively.

3. There are also open-access databases.

Open-access databases can be used by anyone, even if users aren’t affiliated with a college, university, or other library. Open-access databases may be provided by governmental agencies, non-profits, professional societies, research universities, or other public entities.