Database Help

What are library databases?

To expand the research tools available to patrons, The Provo City Library purchases subscriptions to a number of commercial databases. Staff members also compile links to free databases, such as those kept by government agencies. All of these databases serve as electronic libraries that contain enormous amounts of specialized information that can be quickly retrieved from a Web site.

How do library users connect to these resources?

Library users can access these databases from any internet terminal at the Provo City Library.  From our website, click on the button to the right of the desired resource.

You can also connect to most of these services from a home, school or work computer that has an internet connection, but you must have your Library Card number and PIN to do so. Just click on the button next to the desired resource.

Why use library databases?

The Library selects databases and websites that contain high quality and authoritative information.  The Web offers a tremendous quantity of information, but there is no oversight to protect against biased, incomplete or out-of-date information.  Using databases can assist researchers or information seekers to find reliable information quickly.

What kind of information is available?

Many people use our databases to access indexes and full text articles from magazines and newspapers on a variety of topics from around the world. But there are many other types of databases - both commercial and free - that are quickly and easily accessed from the Library database collection. Among them:

• Financial and investment data
• Business and residential directories
• Multimedia encyclopedias
• Language learning tools
• Test preperation assistance

Is it difficult to search a database?

Library databases come from a variety of publishers, so they may differ in appearance. But most offer similar search forms with basic and advanced search options. Generally, help screens or search tips are provided. Library staff can also help you get started.  For specifics concerning each resource the library subscribes to, click on the link.

Having trouble?

If you are having problems accessing resource from home:

• Be sure that you are entering your entire library card number (including all the zeros & without any spaces).
• Try emptying your browser's cache or quit then restart your browser.

Please call 801-852-6661 if you have further questions about connecting to subscription databases through the Provo City Library.