What's the difference between an article title, a journal/magazine/newspaper name, and a database name?
Answer
A database is a collection of sources, often put together because of their subject area or source type, that can be searched to find sources on the same topic. They are very much like streaming services like Netflix or Hulu that bring together different collections of shows and movies. It often contains journals, magazines, and newspapers. The database name is generally located in the top left of the page.
Examples:
PsycInfo
JSTOR
EbscoHost
A journal, magazine, or newspaper is a publication that comes out in issues on a regular basis. When you encounter them in databases, they typically present as clickable links that take you to a page with more information about the publication. Their titles are typically generic in nature. Some may be subject specialties, but they are still very broad.
Examples:
New York Times
Feminist Economics
Sustainability
Psychology Today
An issue of a journal, magazine, or newspaper contains individual articles that are specifically about the topic you are researching. The article titles tend to be the largest font, and typically at the top of a page.
These are probably what you’re used to finding when you search for sources in FoxHunt or individual databases, but you usually find them detached from their particular issue.
Examples:
“Wolves-Coyotes-Foxes: A Cascade Among Carnivores”
“Collaring Nature: The Use of Arctic Foxes to Find and Rescue the Members of the Lost Franklin Expedition”
If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, or need further help, contact a librarian.