My View on Databases
Prior to using Proquest, the only experience I had using databases were for my research paper such as the database JSTOR or Google Books. Proquest has definitely surpassed my expectations of an online database. It is easy and simple to use, especially with its advanced search. Many databases have a complex search engine which is difficult to use for those who do not have experience or digital knowledge. Proquest advanced search easily lays everything out as seen here in their advanced search engine. This allows for easy access to articles as well as specific searching of topics in order to narrow down research as well as saving time.
For example, I used the Proquest search engine to search for articles on the Cuban Missile Crisis and I was surprised about how accurate the search was when using the advanced search engine; however, when using the normal quick search I did not get the exact articles I was looking for. Personally, I think research databases should always have a specific default search engine. The general search just doesn’t get the job done for me. I’m sure some databases may be smaller and more specific, but the advanced search performs many times better.
I feel that there will always be a need for a physical storage of books. This is only due to the fact that some people are technologically challenged and will not be capable of using an online database for research. For that reason, I believe there will always be libraries and storages around holding physical copies of books.
Other than being technologically challenged, there are many people who prefer to read or study a physical copy rather than gaze at a digital screen while working on a project or paper; however, once that generation of physical readers has been outgrown there may be the possibility of the literary world going completely digital. I don’t think this is to happen within 10 or even 20 years…. but give it 50 to 100 years and I’ll bet that paper books will be thing of the past.