Business Librarian
Business Librarian
What is a database?
A library database is a digital platform where you can get access to different types of resources such as scholarly articles, videos, datasets, news, etc. Some databases are more like YouTube, where you can access a wide-variety of resources, and others are more like Netflix, where you can only access specific content.
This guide explains a few databases that contain the information required for your research assignment.
Adapted from Source Type Diagram made by Kathryn Eckler, Science and Math Librarian, James Madison University
- Finding Business Information ChartDownload the PDF of this chart for a screen-readable version
How can I use Google?
Google is another great resource that can be used to find news articles, blogs, background information on a topic, etc. However, many resources you find in Google, like business news articles from the New York Times or scholarly journal articles, will be locked behind a paywall -- making it look as if you need to pay for access to these articles.
Often, these are resources that JMU Libraries already pays for. Check with one of JMU's business librarians to see whether the full-text article is available to you for free.
Still prefer searching in Google? Try these tips to access Libraries' resources more seamlessly while in Google.
- LibKey Nomad Browser ExtensionThis browser extension connects you with articles that are library-licensed or open access.
LibKey Nomad is available for Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi. Install the LibKey Nomad extension for your browser of choice. (Note: A user account is not required to use the extension.)
Once installed, search for and select "James Madison University" from the list of institutions.
When you are on publisher websites, Wikipedia, PubMed, and more, you can look for the LibKey Nomad button to download PDFs.
- Use Google Scholar to connect to Libraries resourcesBeing asked to pay for articles in Google Scholar? Connect your Google account to JMU Libraries resources in a few simple steps. This will help you gain access to articles we provide at no extra cost.