What is a library database?
A database is a searchable collection of information. In library research, a database is where you find journal articles but can also include newspaper articles, books, videos, and audio files.
Each database contains thousands of articles which you can search for simultaneously and quickly to find articles with higher relevancy than searching in individual journals. Databases are highly organized and allow students to search for information on a topic by keyword, subject, author, title, and phrase. Most databases at Loyola University Chicago provide access to full-text content, which means that you will find entire articles available, not just summaries or citations of articles.
Not sure where to start your research? The interdisciplinary databases are good places to search for information on any topic, and have lots of full-text material available.
In the Lewis and Cudahy Libraries Reference Collections, there are many great print encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other reference books.
We also have many online reference (background) sources that are easy to access and easy to use. See below for some useful online resources
Below is a list of some of the licensed video databases available at Loyola. The subject content spans a diverse range of topics, from history to performing and fine arts.
For a complete list check out the Online Video Resources Library Guide!
