Library Databases Offer More Reliable Information Than Internet

Fitz & Pirillo

The Internet is a wonderful tool, but it bears remembering that there are no laws, rules, or regulations to ensure that what someone puts up has to be true, accurate, current, or trustworthy. This is why so many librarians take exception to sites like Wikipedia: it’s content driven, which means anyone can post anything on it. Yes, wildly inaccurate things will probably be caught and corrected, but why take the chance?

With your access to the databases available to you free with your library membership, you are guaranteed the very best information available. Just go to the BPL homepage and click on the Databases link, then use the subject guide on the left of the page to be shown the correct databases to view.

Most of these can be viewed from any Internet connection, but some are licensed only for use in a library. The best thing is that you know if you linked to it through BPL’s website, the information is good. Since most of these links are to subscription databases, they are free to library members. So take advantage of your membership to look up current events, prepare for exams (like the ASVAB, ACT, SAT, and many occupational or school entrance exams), get information on medical issues, and even access the Chilton automotive guides to repair or maintain your automobile.

There are dozens of resources listed under Quick Database Links, and they’re FREE, accurate, and current. What more could you want?

Kelly Laney
Springville Road Library