Homework and Stories

ben's guide to government
star fall
story online
ebooks for kids
ebooks for teens

Research & Discovery for Students

Science

Art History

When do I use the Internet and when do I use a database?

Use the Internet when you:

  • Are willing to evaluate the web site’s content
  • Want to go to a specific web site
  • Want information on a unique topic
  • Want government information such as tax forms

The Internet does have some excellent information – including some information that is not available anywhere else. You just have to be willing to sort through the information and determine what is reliable. The internet can be used for homework, research, and for fun.

Use databases when you want:

  • Newspaper articles
  • Magazine articles
  • Encyclopedia articles
  • Biographical information
  • Statistical information

You can sometimes get the exact same article from the print source, but it might be easier for you to get it from a database. Some databases are available from home with a library card number (if you have a computer with Internet access), so you don’t have to come to the library to get a copy of the article.