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Library Guide for Education

What is a database?

A library database is a collection of information, or data, that can be searched and used to retrieve reliable academic resources. Some library databases give access to academic journal articles only (journal databases) but databases can also give access to research materials including newspapers, magazines, ebooks, web resources and various multimedia. While academic sources, such as peer-reviewed journal articles, can be retrieved via Library Search, a subject specific database search will allow you to do a focused search for academic articles that directly relate to your topic.

DCU Library subscribes to over 150 databases: some of these are multi-disciplinary (they cover many subjects) while others are subject-specific (they focus on one subject or a group of related subjects). The full list can be accessed from the library's A-Z Databases, see the databases recommended for Education below.

Information on subjects of interest to students of education such as music or art are also covered by other specialist databases: see the databases recommended for other fields in our subject guides or read the description under each database to ascertain subject coverage. 

Key databases for Education students

Remember the literature you are looking for may be interdisciplinary and you will need to search databases that cover other subjects too

Common databases used by Education students include:

Sage Research Methods

DCU Library highly recommends the SAGE Video Education database 

This interactive website with associated Guide is an invaluable one stop interface for all your research methods queries. Access it from the links above or use our A-Z Databases tab.

LETS etutorial

Try the final module of our LETS etutorial and improve your database and web searching skills: 

LETSfind 4 modules:

LETSfind will show you how to search for and evaluate information for your assignments.

You will learn how to: 

  • run simple and more advanced searches with the Library's journal databases
  • use Google Scholar and become familiar with our tips and tricks for better Web searching
  • make sure you're finding the most appropriatehigh-quality information you need for your assignments 

Getting started with databases

1. Consider your research question and identify key concepts - see our literature review guide for help.

2. Next, identify keywords and search terms, don't forget to consider alternative words with similar meanings. Use the database's in-built thesaurus or try the UNESCO Thesaurus.

3. Choose a database, just read the database's description to check subject coverage. 

4. Carry out a search - see how in our video below.

Official publications and datasets