The databases you choose will depend on your research question and the disciplines in which relevant research may be conducted. Below is guidance for choosing scholarly databases in a number of research areas. Check UC Irvine Libraries' Databases A-Z page for a full list of available sources across all disciplines.
Every database works differently. Librarians can help with designing complex searches using the specialized syntax of individual databases and 'translate' searches between databases. See tabs 4 and 6 for more information or consult with a librarian if you have questions.
Note that these databases largely focus on the published, peer-reviewed literature. For guidance and resources for searching other types of information (i.e., grey literature), see the Select Grey Literature tab of this guide.
