Exploring the Differences: The Internet is a worldwide collection of computer networks which provide many differing types of information. Some sites are for entertainment; some are for academic research. Others may be commercial or post opinions, and some even intentionally give out false information. Anyone can publish anything, whenever they want. You will find some information free and sometimes you will be required to register or pay a fee. Searching the Internet is like sticking your hand in a "grab bag" of information -- sometimes all you get is junk, while at other times you will discover the exact fact you need for your assignment.

The databases are an information service provided to you as a student at Tarrant County College. TCC and the TexShare Program pay for you to be able to access these services both on and off campus. These databases include thousands of magazines, scholarly journals, and some reference books. It is important to realize that the databases are not the Internet. Even though you access the databases using an Internet browser, you are not searching the "open" Internet. If your instructor states that you can only use one Internet source, the databases should not count as that Internet source.

If you do not know where to begin your research on the databases, begin with the "Librarian Recommended Database Collections" listed in the center of the Databases page. Databases are also listed by subject. Clicking on the green dot to the left of the database title will tell you the type of information you can expect to find in each database.