Recommended Starting Points
- Library Search This link opens in a new window
Check out the Library Search which finds print and electronic items, including journal and newspaper articles, book chapters, books, reviews, legal documents, and much more. Note: Due to licensing restrictions, some content is only available to current students, faculty, and staff.
- All Vanderbilt Library Databases A-ZCan find a database by name or by subject.
Google Scholar vs. Databases
I know how to use Google Scholar, so why would I use a database?
A database often has articles and information that are for a specific subject. Examples include EconLit (Economics), Sociological Abstracts (Sociology), Education Full Text (Education), PsycINFO (Psychology). Plus, databases often have more detailed search interfaces that let you be more precise in your searching. An example is limiting to scholarly, peer reviewed articles.
Google Scholar is a helpful research tool, but it searches many subjects at once. Consider using it along with a subject specific database.
