• What is a database?
• Are LPL databases different from the Web?
• What type of information do LPL databases contain?
• How do I access LPL databases?
• How do I access LPL databases away from the Library?
• How do I know which database to use?
• What is full-text? What is a citation?
• Why isn’t everything available in full-text?
• How can I tell if a newspaper, magazine, or journal is available in full text in the databases?

Related Content

• Why can't I get in from home?

What is a database?

A database is a collection of data organized for quick and easy searching. LPL databases are collections of reputable information resources - newspaper & magazine articles, reference book content (ie ReferenceUSA, Mango Languages), and even full-text books.

Check out the list of LPL databases through our website: www.lexpublib.org/databases.

Are LPL databases different from the Web?

Yes. Though our databases are accessed through the Web, the two are very different - instead of searching the web, our databases search magazines, newspapers, reference books, and other sources of information provided directly by reputable publishers. You will NOT find the same quality of resources searching the Web with Google. Why not? Our databases are available solely through fee-based subscription services. LPL pays for these subscriptions - Google and other search engines do not. As an LPL library card holder, you have access to our entire collection of databases.

What type of information do LPL databases contain?

LPL databases contain a wide range of information in a number of disciplines. Search our databases for full-text articles from thousands of newspapers and magazines, current and historical photographs, company financial information from reference book publishers, encyclopedias, genealogical records, obituaries, civil service exams, and much more.

How do I access LPL databases?

LPL databases are easy to find - go to www.lexpublib.org/databases. LPL databases are available in all branches of the Lexington Public Library and many are also accessible from home or school.

How do I access LPL databases away from the Library?

Click on the database title and, when prompted, enter your library card number and PIN (usually the last four digits of your telephone number).

How do I know which database to use?

Short content descriptions accompany LPL database links. Read these by clicking "more information."  (www.lexpublib.org/databases).

What is full-text? What is a citation?

Full-text articles provide, word for word, what you’ll find in a print copy of a magazine, newspaper, or reference book. In many cases, full-text articles will also contain images and charts and may even be available as Adobe PDF copies of the original print source.

A citation offers information about the article - title, author, publication date, etc. - but does not present the article itself. In these cases, check the Library Catalog to determine if an LPL branch owns a physical copy of the title in question or contact a librarian for additional assistance.

Why isn’t everything available in full-text?

Older articles are less likely to be available in full-text - digitization often proves prohibitively expensive for publishers and database companies. Questions of copyright and licensing may also prevent full-text availability.