Reference materials include things like dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases, guidebooks, and manuals. We use them to look up quick facts, definitions, standards, or topic overviews — not to read cover to cover.
ACC Libraries have many online databases with this kind of background information. If you’re not sure which one to use, just ask a librarian! We’re here to help!
What Is a Database?
A database is a collection of information you can search on a computer. Some library databases have newspaper, magazine, or journal articles. Others have reference materials like dictionaries and encyclopedias.
Most databases can create citations for you, but it’s a good idea to double-check them with a citation guide. Sometimes computer-generated citations have small mistakes in punctuation or capitalization.
You can use these databases at ACC or at home. Just log in with your ACCeID and password.
There are many more databases than the ones listed here. If you’re not sure which one to use, ask a librarian — we’re happy to help!
Not sure where to start? Here are some multisubject databases that may be helpful to your assignment. Remember, you may be prompted to log in with your ACC eID after clicking on the links. To see the complete A-Z list of ACC Library Databases, click here.
Academic Search Complete
Scholarly articles, news, and research on topics in most subject areas.
Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints
Pro/con viewpoint articles
Academic OneFile
Provides millions of articles from over 17,000 scholarly journals and other authoritative sources, including thousands of podcasts as well as videos.
CQ Researcher
In-depth coverage of political and social issues, with regular reports on international affairs, education, the environment, technology, and the U.S. economy. Reports from 1991 - present.
JSTOR
Explore over 2,000 academic journals and primary sources, including Artstor's collections of high-quality images, curated from leading museums and archives around the world.
All ACC faculty, students and staff now have full access to NYTimes.com and NYT apps, courtesy of ACC Libraries. Instructions for claiming your Academic Pass to activate your account can be found here.
All ACC faculty, students and staff now have full access to WSJ.com and WSJ apps, courtesy of ACC libraries. Click here for digital access instructions.