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Fiat Lux: How Do I Select Databases to Use?

This is a copy of a guide created by Lindsay Davis while working at UC Merced. She presented this series at SCIL Works 2019.

Selecting a Database

screenshot - considerations in database selection

How Do You Pick Which Database to Use?

The UC Merced Library has over 700 databases. It can be overwhelming to decide, but there are two things you can do to help.

  • Use the All Subjects limiter in the database A-Z list (Databases tab on the library website) to pinpoint databases related to a certain subject area.
  • Read through the recommended database descriptions to see what kind of content the databases contain.

Activity

Write your answers on the 3x5 card.

  • What is your major?
  • What is a Best Bets database you could use?

Finding Databases at UC Merced

Learn how to find databases and how to narrow down by database subject area, full-text availability, etc. (1:14)