What Are Library Databases? (Adapted from Enoch Pratt Free Library, 
http://www.prattlibrary.org/research/database/index.aspx?id=39810)

Library databases provide access to published information sources. Examples: magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias, journals, videos, images, and other resources.Library databases are searchable.Library databases provide citation information

Library databases often contain full-text articles.You can print , save, or email an entire article.There are different kinds of library databases:         
For general topics — e.g.  World Book Online, Encyclopedia Britannica                 
For specific topics — e.g. Biography In Context, World Religions,                          
Contemporary Literary Criticism


How are Library Databases Different From Websites?

Library Databases
Library databases get their information from professionals or experts in the field.
Library databases contain published works where facts are checked.
Library databases are easy to cite in a bibliography and may create the citation for you.
Library databases can help you narrow your topic or suggest related subjects.
Library databases are updated frequently and include the date of publication.
Websites
Web sites can be written by anyone regardless of expertise.
Web site content is not necessarily checked by an expert.
Web sites often don’t provide the information necessary to create a complete citation.
Web sites often aren’t organized to support student research needs.
Web sites may not indicate when a page is updated.