The Virginia Tech Libraries provide access to over 700 databases where you can search for articles (and more) on your research topic. Select the appropriate database(s) using these strategies:

• Select a database using a known database title
• Select a database using a general research topic term
• Select a database from a subject listing
• Select a database from a list of general interest databases
• Select a database from broad subject category lists
• Select a database based on the type/format of content
• Select a database from alphabetical lists

Find a database by title 

When you know the name of the database to use (because it was demonstrated in a class or suggested by your instructor), simply search for that title to get the link to the database. Remember to use Off Campus Sign In if you are not using the campus network to ensure you can access the database.

Find a database using a general topic term 

You can use the Find a database by title search box and enter general terms that describe your topic, such as history or sustainability to find databases that include that term in their titles or descriptions.

Browse databases by subject  

The subject guides list databases selected by a subject librarian that will be useful for research within that subject. Databases are ranked for each subject and list topics and range of dates covered. Subject guides are listed by departments on campus, by college and schools, and by major.

Use a general interest database  

General interest databases cover a wide range of topics from many kinds of sources. They are a great starting point for many research assignments since you are likely to get at least a few search results on your topic. Major general interest databases are listed below; many more are available on the general interest databases listings.

• Academic Search Complete from EBSCOhost
• CQ Researcher from CQ Press
• Factiva
• LexisNexis Academic
• Opposing Viewpoint Resource Center from Gale
• Web of Knowledge from ISI

Browse databases by broad subject categories 

Databases are also listed in broad subject categories. These can be useful to browse when your research topic crosses many disciplines.

Browse databases by type/format 

Databases are also listed by the type or format of the materials or resources they index. Examples included databases for conference proceedings, multimedia, newspaper articles, reviews, or statistics.

Browse databases alphabetically 

If you know the beginning letter of the database you need, or you want to browse all databases, use the alphabet below. Note that these lists are long and unwieldy; the methods of accessing databases listed above a far easier.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z