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The American Dream

What is a Database?

A database is an online index to magazine and journal articles, book chapters, etc. Databases often provide access to full-text of articles.

Why Use a Database?

You use a database to save yourself time and effort!  A database scans thousands of journal and magazine issues to find articles that match your topic, so you don't have to look at individual pages and issues .  It shows exactly which issue has the article(s) on your topic. 

Databases to Search

MU Libraries have over 650 databases in all subject areas. 

Start here:

  • Discover @ MU Restricted to faculty, students, and staff at The University of Missouri is a simple Google-like search engine that searches articles, books, videos, etc.
    Search Discover @ MU for articles, books, and more!

Google Scholar

Google Scholar provides a simple way to broadly search for scholarly literature across many disciplines.

Google Scholar Search