Databases are organized collections of information (often, but not always, essays and articles), accessible by any current HCC student or faculty member from anywhere with an internet connection. Each database is unique and may not be helpful for every assignment. For most topics, you will want to have an understanding of your topic's background before searching a database.
Having this understanding will help you think of specific terms or concepts that you might want to investigate further. A multi-subject, general database will search through many different academic journal and magazine articles. These can be helpful but can provide unfocused results -- a more subject-specific database may be more helpful.
©2022 Houston Community College Libraries