Skip to Main Content
My Library Accounts

How To Do Research

Databases & Discovery Tools

There are multiple ways to search for information in an academic library. Three of the most important are the Discovery Search, searching individual databases, and browsing subject-specific resources on Subject Guides.

  • Discovery Search - This is the primary search box you see on the library homepage. The Discovery Search searches across a wide range of resources from different databases that the library subscribes to. You will find physical items (books & DVDs) as well as electronic resources (ebooks; articles from journals, magazines & newspapers; and streaming video) 
  • Individual Library Databases - Library databases house ebooks, streaming videos, newspapers, magazines, and journals that the college subscribes to. Some databases are subject-specific and some house sources according to format (e.g. streaming video). Specialized databases often have special tools and features that may be useful to different types of research.
  • Subject & Program Guides - Subject and program guides bring together librarian-recommended resources for different subjects or program areas. In addition to library resources, subject and program guides also include important web resources in a subject area.

Searching VSCS Libraries