Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library
Help Finding Databases and Electronic Resources
Looking for a specific database? Browse the list of titles in the sidebar.
Uncertain of what database might be best for your needs? Consider these options:
Review the list of databases with descriptions and pick a resource. If it does not suit your purposes, return to the list and search for another.
Browse the topics lists on the electronic resources page and select databases recommended.
Enter a catalog search of keywords, then add AND www. This may retrieve a database that would be appropriate for your information need.
Ask for assistance from the reference staff. If you are not in the Library, please use the contact us page to review the many options available for asking for help when you are not here.
If you find the database you want but it is not available to you from home, be aware that not all the databases can be brought to your home. Some of those that the Library purchases are sold on condition that they will only be made available in the Library. Databases that are available for home use require that you be a registered customer of this Library, so you will need a Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library card. (See How to get a library card.)
A library card also makes it possible for you to reserve a computer at the Library for your use, beforehand. While making a reservation in advance is not always necessary, it is recommended, particularly if you wish to use the databases on a computer that also has office applications such as Microsoft Word or Excel. Once you are using a computer at the Library, you will find that many more of the databases will be available to you.
If you are looking for a database that you used to use at the Library and you cannot seem to find it, ask for assistance. Some databases go through name changes or revisions that make them hard to recognize afterwards. Other databases are no longer at the Library because the publisher raised the cost of the subscription to an unaffordable level.
From time to time the Library offers classes that include an overview of what these databases have to offer. Watch the events page for announcements about upcoming classes and be sure to sign up for one of these.