Help and More about Library Databases

Library databases increase your access to information

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.

Connecting to library databases

Library users can access these databases from Internet at the Provo City Library. 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 (Home Access) button next to the desired resource.

Why use library databases?

The Library selects databases that are high quality and authoritative.
The Web offers a tremendous quantity of information, but there is no oversight to protect against biased, incomplete or out-of-date information.

What kind of information is available?

Many people use the databases to get indexes and full texts of magazine and newspaper articles. 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:
   Business, financial and investment data
   Business and residential directory information
   References on books, authors, music and numerous other subjects

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.

Bibliographic databases identify and briefly describe writings or published works - books, articles, maps, etc.
Full Text databases supply the complete text of an original published item for viewing on your computer screen.
     Note: Some of the most useful databases are a mixture of bibliographic citations and full text.

Having trouble?

Things to check:

When entering your library card number, enter all numbers (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.