How Do I Tell the Difference Between a Database and a Search Engine?

Is There a Difference?

What's the Point?

 

There is quite a difference between a database and a search engine! 

 

 

Databases Purchased by the library Content is reviewed by recommended librarians Information is organized Information is stable

Search Engines Free to anyone with computer access No review standards with regard to content Information is not organized Information is not stable; locations and content continually change

 

 

 

Database:

A collection of information in electronic format that is organized in a manner that allows a user to easily retrieve information about its individual entries.  Databases are usually collections of journal and magazine articles, dissertations, reviews and abstracts.

 

Why Use a Database?

Using a database allows users to search for information in an organized collection.  You will benefit from this organization because it provides more relevant results through the use of subject headings and descriptors.  You can also search for keywords in specific fields, such as author and title, and limit your results using the criteria available to you in that database.

 

The content of a database has undergone a review process which makes the information more reliable than the information you would find on the internet. 

 

Examples:

Academic Search Premiere, EBSCOhost, JSTOR, ProjectMuse, ProQuest Newspapers, PsycArticles 

 

  

Search Engine:

A service that utilizes a computer program to search the internet and identify items that match the characters and keywords entered by a user.

 

Why Use a Search Engine?

Because they are useful for finding information on organizations, groups and personal web pages related to a topic.  They can also be used for finding articles, but it can be very difficult to narrow down results, find relevant material and assess the legitimacy of information found on the internet.  (See Evaluating a Web Page for more information.)  It is especially important to be wary when using internet sources, as there are NO QUALITY CONTROL MECHANISMS that verify the validity of information on individual web pages.

 

Examples:

Google, Yahoo, Dogpile, About.com, AltaVista

 

 

	Scholarly Journals	Web Sites
Characteristics	Purpose is to report on research conducted by scholars and other professionals in the field. In-depth articles cover specific issues or research questions. Most articles contain bibliographies. Peer Reviewed: When an article is submitted to a publisher, it is sent to a group of experts, or peers, who evaluate the work based on its originality, currency and validity.	Offer almost immediate access to current information. Web site “publishers” are varied. Information available on a wealth of topics. Easy to access and use. Powerful marketing tool.
Advantages	Information is much more current. Information is accurate and reliable. Thorough bibliography points to further sources of information.	Good for certain types of information such as news, governments, associations, facts, travel, culture, business, products, opinions, maps, etc.
Limitations	Background information is usually not available. Articles may only cover one aspect of your topic.	Not everything is on the web! Information overload – many sites to sift through Authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency & coverage need to be evaluated. Not everything is free. Advertising & site sponsorship can lead to biased information.

 

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