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Know Your Databases - Language & Literature

Database Recommendations for Literary Queries

MLA International Bibliography

  • Strengths:
    • ​Returns the second highest number of relevant results
    • Performs highly with a more experienced search (i.e. appropriate search fields are selected)
    • Consistent inclusion of subject headings
      • Allows a user to have a clearer idea of whether or not the item is relevant to the search query
    • Inclusion of abstracts
      • Makes evaluating the relevance of a result easier
  • Weakness
    • Inconsistent offering of full text items

 

Literature Resource Center

  • Strengths: 
    • Returns the most relevant, full text results that focus on the primary literary work
    • Performs highly for both inexperienced and experienced users
    • Inclusion of abstracts makes evaluating the relevance of a result easier
  • Weaknesses:
    • ​Does not provide subject headings 
      • Adds difficulty when determining an item’s relevance and/or furthering the search to find similar items