What's an Information Database?

• collection of magazine, journal and newspaper articles that you can search from a computer.  Some databases even have entire encyclopedias and books!
• most databases provide a combination of summaries and the entire article (full-text).

Why would I want to use these?
Have you ever needed information and someone else had already borrowed the book?  Have you found yourself spending time searching on the Internet and trying to decide which information was accurate and current?

The articles in the information databases are:

• accurate
• objective
• current
• reliable
• easy and quick to find
• cover a variety of subjects such as medical information, car repair, genealogy, consumer help: it’s all there!

My teacher said not to use the Internet.
The Internet Databases use the web as a delivery system but they are not the "Internet" in the sense intended by your teacher.  In addition to popular magazines, thousands of articles from academic research journals are in Information Databases.  Teachers are very impressed when you use current research in your papers.

Can’t I just get these off the Internet?
No.  Most of these articles you have to pay to read on the Internet.  We have paid for you to have access to these databases through our website.

How do I “open” a database?
Access is free with a valid London Public Library card in good standing!  Just click on the picture of the database you wish to explore, type in your library card number and click on “authenticate”.  See the list of databases.

Can I print or email my results?
Absolutely!  You can print, email, and save your results when copyright allows.

Can anyone help me with these?
Call 519-661-4600, use AskON (see the right side) or visit your local London Public Library and a staff member will be happy to assist you!