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Database Intro Guide

Learn how to use Western Library databases to find articles and video for homework and research assignments.

Your Choice of Database Depends on Your Assignment

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Your assignment may be open-ended, and allows you to write, talk to develop a project about about anything that interests you. Sounds great - but, yikes! - you can't think of a anything!  Your first step is to explore your options. The purpose of this guide is to link you to different Western Library databases that will help your brain kick into gear.

 

Use Your Assignment as Your Starting Point

  • What is the scope and nature of your project? -
  • Do you need to write an 1-2 page essay or a 5-7 page research paper?
  • Give a  2-3 minutes speech, a a 6-7 minute speech?
  • Do you need to present a short presentation or a long one? 
  • Do you need to demo how to prepare a healthy snack or a healthy meal?
  • Does your assignment require you to use specific sources - . books? news articles? scholarly articles? Videoes? Podcast?

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 Let the scope and nature of your project determine your choice of topic. A 2-3 minute speech or presentation that requires visuals will require a different approach than a 1-2 page essay which requires thought and evaluation.

Which Database Should I Use for My Topic?

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So you've chose your topic, which Western Library database  do you use to find information about your topic? Use the tabs above and the links below to explore the different types of information about your topic.


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