Periodical databases allow you to search for citations to articles in popular magazines and scholarly journals. Sometimes these databases have the complete or "full text" of articles as well. Databases cover all sorts of subjects. Starting with a general database, you will find articles about new trends, opinions, and information for the non-specialist. One you may be familiar with is called Magazine Articles Online.

Where do you find these databases? Good question. Libraries purchase some periodical databases and allow their community to use them over the Web. To figure out what databases are available and the subjects they cover look at your library's Web page. You could also ask a librarian at your school. (Nope, you aren't bothering them.)

Periodical databases are one of the best places to find information because:

• you can access some of them through the Web
• they index information which has gone through an editorial review process
• they cover a variety of subjects
• they are structured for finding information more precisely
• they offer citations to the popular magazines and scholarly journals that have articles on your topic

In Module Two you will learn more about choosing and searching periodical databases. Mastering these skills will make research a whole lot easier.