Frequently Asked Questions
What are Premium Databases?
They are a collection of comprehensive full-text databases made up of magazine, journal, newspaper articles, photographs, biographies, encyclopedia entries, and even a means to find that elusive poem.
How can I access these databases?
All of the premium Pioneer databases can be accessed from any Utah public library and all but a few from your home; how you get into the databases depends on where you live and who (which library) is offering access. If you live in Davis County, Murray, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Weber County or Uintah County, the databases are accessed through their servers using library card barcodes. All other areas of the state need to request a special access code from their local public library.
What topics do the databases cover? Just about anything!
EBSCOhost, our flagship, has 26 searchable databases covering a full range of topics, for example, Philosophy & Religion, Elementary, Middle and Jr. High age research, full-text newspapers, over 1700 magazines, full text, going back to 1975, dictionaries, business information, Medical and Health Resources, just to name a few topics.
The searchable newspapers in NewsBank cover the U.S. daily papers and International press. Certainly Utah's larger newspapers are represented here and are searchable.
Factiva has great business resources and is another excellent source for searching newspapers for any topic, not just business.
HeritageQuest is THE genealogy database to search your family history.
Is there any cost to use the databases?
No. The public libraries have computers available for the public to use, at no cost, however, there may be a time limitation placed on using them.
I am a high school student, which databases are best for me?
EBSCOhost has the best databases for students. Of course the newspapers in both EBSCOhost and NewsBank, covering so many topics, would always be a good resource.
What databases are best for children?
EBSCOhost and SIRS have the best information for the young researcher. EBSCOhost has Searchasaurus, KidsSearch, Animals, Primary Search and Middle Search Plus, covering a wide range of general topics designed for elementary age (Primary Search) and Middle to Junior High students (Middle Search Plus).
How can I find older newspaper articles that appeared in local papers?
The Premium PIONEER Database, NewsBank, offers access to the Deseret News, Logan Herald-Journal (back to 1999), Park Record (back to 2003), St. George Spectrum (back to 2004) and Ogden (Northern Utah) Standard-Examiner (back to 2001); and even though we advertise the Factiva Database as a business database, it offers full access to the Deseret News Archives from 1995 to present and the Salt Lake Tribune Archives from 1990 to the present as well as many other magazines and newspapers worldwide.
