Introduction to KCLS Databases

• What is a database?
• Are KCLS databases different from the Web?
• What type of information do KCLS databases contain?
• How do I know if I’m accessing a KCLS database or a Web site?
• How do I access KCLS databases?
• How do I access KCLS databases away from the Library?
• How do I know which database to use?
• What is full-text? What is a citation?
• Why isn’t everything available in full-text?
• How can I tell if a newspaper, magazine, or journal is available in full text in the databases?

• Why can't I get in from home?

What is a database?

A database is a collection of data organized for quick and easy searching. KCLS databases are collections of reputable information resources - newspaper & magazine articles, reference book content (ie Encylopedia Britannica, Grove Encyclopedia of Art), even full-text books.

Check out the list of KCLS databases through our website: www.kcls.org/databases.

Are KCLS databases different from the Web?

Yes. Though our databases are accessed through the Web, the two are very different - instead of searching the web, our databases search magazines, newspapers, reference books, and other sources of information provided directly by reputable publishers. You will NOT find the same quality of resources searching the Web with Google. Why not? Our databases are available solely through fee-based subscription services. KCLS pays for these subscriptions - Google and other search engines do not. As a KCLS library card holder you have access to our entire collection of databases.

What type of information do KCLS databases contain?

KCLS databases contain a wide range of information in a number of disciplines. Search our databases for full-text articles from thousands of newspapers and magazines, detailed automobile diagrams from manufacturers’ manuals, current and historical photographs, company financial information from reference book publishers, computer manuals, encyclopedias, 19th century New York Times articles, expert opinions on art and literature, ready-to-print business and personal forms, civil service exams, and much more.

How do I know if I’m accessing a KCLS database or a Web site?

Links to KCLS Databases are accompanied by a K symbol.

How do I access KCLS databases?

KCLS databases are easy to find - look for the ‘Databases’ button at the top of most KCLS webpages or go directly to www.kcls.org/databases. KCLS databases are available in all branches of King County Library and many are also accessible from home or school.

How do I access KCLS databases away from the Library?

Look for the small house next to our database links - the house signifies that access is available to KCLS library card holders from home, work, or school.

Click on the database title and, when prompted, enter your library card number (this is located under the back bar code). Click the ‘submit’ button to be forwarded to your selected database.

How do I know which database to use?

Short content descriptions accompany KCLS database links. Read these from our alphabetical listing of databases (www.kcls.org/databases) or from one of our ‘KCLS Databases by Subject’ webpages. The later provide a condensed listing of subject-specific databases.

What is full-text? What is a citation?

Full-text articles provide, word for word, what you’ll find in a print copy of a magazine, newspaper, or reference book. In many cases full-text articles will also contain images and charts and may even be available as Adobe Acrobat copies of the original print source.

A citation offers information about the article - title, author, publication date, etc. - but does not present the article itself. In these cases, check the KCLS Library Catalog to determine if a KCLS branch owns a physical copy of the title in question or contact a librarian for additional assistance.

Why isn’t everything available in full-text?

Older articles are less likely to be available in full-text - digitization often proves prohibitively expensive for publishers and database companies. Questions of copyright and licensing may also prevent full-text availability.

How can I tell if a newspaper, magazine, or journal is available in full text in the databases?

‘Full-Text Magazines, Journals and Newspapers In Our Databases‘ searches for full-text titles available through KCLS online databases. Each journal title you locate is accompanied by a link to one or more databases containing full-text articles from that publication. You may search ‘Full-Text Magazines, Journals and Newspapers In Our Databases‘ from any KCLS database webpage.