Q. What is the difference between a search engine and a database?

Library databases are searchable collections of academic research, journal articles, newspapers, and magazines. Library databases require a log-on to access subscription-based material, so there are no advertisements or fees. Library databases select reliable sources, and many of the sources have gone through a review process resulting in a "peer-review" label.

Google, Bing, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo are examples of search engines. Search engines use computer algorithms based on your previous searches and clicks. Search engines search on the open web (not subscription-based), so you may need to pay an access fee and evaluate the material's credibility.

See the Ryan Library's research guide: Research Essentials, for more information.