Databases VS Search Engines

An example of a database and search engine.

Last Thursday, our school librarian gave us a spiel on databases versus search engines. We needed to know when it is appropriate to use search engines (e.g. Google, Bing, Yahoo) and when to use online databases (e.g. Proquest,  Overdrive, ABCMouse) for research on our Genius Hour projects. We also learned how Wikipedia can help us without relying on it 100% of the time.


What's the difference?

Database: A database is an organized, unbiased, center of accurate information that has been professionally vetted (screened).

Search Engine: A search engine is an online program that pulls information at a time or request based on keywords.

Databases will give you select, relevant information while search engines, while seemingly more efficient, literally take everything out of the internet and give it to you.

When can I use Wikipedia?

Undeniably, Wikipedia is extremely efficient and painless. While it is easily at our fingertips, it isn't always accurate. Anyone can visit Wikipedia and edit information to their heart's desire. However, Wikipedia doesn't have to be completely ignored. To use it "safely", first, collect the broad, shallow facts from Wikipedia, then go to databases and research more in depth. For example, if you were researching "Alexander Hamilton", you could use the topics "founding father, US Constitution, New York late 1700s, George Washington, US Mint, and Elizabeth Schuyler" from Wikipedia as guidelines for database searches.

Three databases I could possibly use:
-Proquest
-ABI Business Trade & Industry Articles
-Academic Onefile