The Importance of Journal Databases

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 50 views

Introduction

The library is the heart of an educational institution, especially universities. Here, various sources of information are collected, managed, and presented to users, especially students and lecturers. One important source of information available in the library is a journal database, which is an organized collection of scientific articles that can be accessed digitally. In this article, we will discuss the utilization of journal databases at the North Sumatra State Islamic University Library, highlighting its benefits and importance in supporting the teaching and learning process, as well as research.

The Importance of Journal Databases

Journal databases play a vital role in the information system because they provide accurate, timely, and relevant information. Utilization of databases provides several benefits, including:

Reducing Data Duplication

By storing data in one centralized place, data duplication can be avoided, so that the efficiency of data storage and management increases. This is particularly important in a library setting, where large amounts of data need to be stored and managed.

Improving Data Relationships

Database allows relationships between structured data, so that information can be connected and analyzed more easily. This is essential in a library setting, where users need to access and analyze large amounts of data to support their research and learning.

Managing Data in Large Quantities

Database is able to store large amounts of data, so that the library can store a large and easily accessible collection of journals. This is particularly important in a library setting, where users need to access a wide range of journals and other resources.

Maintaining Integrity, Independence, and Data Consistency

Database helps maintain the integrity, independence, and suitability of the data, so that the information obtained is always accurate and reliable. This is essential in a library setting, where users need to trust the information they access.

Journal Databases at the North Sumatra UIN Library

The North Sumatra UIN Library is aware of the importance of accessing information that is easy and fast for its users. Therefore, the library provides a variety of electronic journal databases, including:

Onesearch
Emerald
Ebsco-Host
E-Journal
Cambridge Core
Neliti
Google Scholar
Sage Publication
Spingerlink
Oxford Islamic Studies
Cengage Learning
Moraref
Perpusnas.ac. ID

The library also has a large collection of printed journals, with 21,649 copies, and a non-printed (electronic) collection of 10,080 copies, which are managed by 27 staff, including 3 librarians who are dedicated in the field of reference services.

Benefits of Utilizing Journal Databases

The utilization of journal databases is very beneficial for users, especially students and lecturers. They can easily access the latest information from various disciplines, which are useful for:

Supporting Research

Students and lecturers can get the latest scientific reference sources to support their research. This is particularly important in a university setting, where research is a key aspect of academic life.

Improving the Quality of Learning

Journal database provides the latest teaching materials and information that enriches the learning process in the classroom. This is essential in a university setting, where students need to access the latest information to support their learning.

Adding Insight and Knowledge

Libraries can broaden their insights and knowledge by reading scientific journals from various fields. This is particularly important in a university setting, where students and lecturers need to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field.

Conclusion

Easy and fast access to the journal database in the North Sumatra UIN library becomes valuable assets that support the teaching and learning process and research. This is in line with the vision of the library as a provider of information that can be accessed easily and quickly, as well as a center for learning and research for the entire academic community of UIN North Sumatra.

Recommendations

Based on the discussion above, we recommend that:

The library continues to provide a wide range of electronic journal databases to support the teaching and learning process, as well as research.
The library provides training and support to users on how to access and use the journal databases effectively.
The library continues to develop its collection of printed and electronic journals to support the needs of its users.
The library considers partnering with other libraries and institutions to provide access to a wider range of resources and services.

Q: What is a journal database?

A: A journal database is an organized collection of scientific articles that can be accessed digitally. It is a valuable resource for students, lecturers, and researchers who need to access the latest information from various disciplines.

Q: What are the benefits of using journal databases?

A: The benefits of using journal databases include:

Reducing data duplication
Improving data relationships
Managing data in large quantities
Maintaining integrity, independence, and data consistency
Supporting research
Improving the quality of learning
Adding insight and knowledge

Q: What types of journal databases are available at the North Sumatra UIN Library?

A: The North Sumatra UIN Library provides a variety of electronic journal databases, including:

Onesearch
Emerald
Ebsco-Host
E-Journal
Cambridge Core
Neliti
Google Scholar
Sage Publication
Spingerlink
Oxford Islamic Studies
Cengage Learning
Moraref
Perpusnas.ac. ID

Q: How can I access the journal databases at the North Sumatra UIN Library?

A: To access the journal databases at the North Sumatra UIN Library, you can:

Visit the library's website and click on the "Journal Databases" link
Use the library's online catalog to search for specific journals or databases
Contact the library's reference services department for assistance

Q: Can I access the journal databases from outside the library?

A: Yes, you can access the journal databases from outside the library using the library's online resources. You will need to have a valid library card and a password to access the databases.

Q: How can I get help with using the journal databases?

A: The North Sumatra UIN Library provides reference services to help users with using the journal databases. You can contact the library's reference services department for assistance.

Q: Can I request articles or journals that are not available in the library's collection?

A: Yes, you can request articles or journals that are not available in the library's collection through the library's interlibrary loan service.

Q: How can I provide feedback on the journal databases at the North Sumatra UIN Library?

A: You can provide feedback on the journal databases at the North Sumatra UIN Library by contacting the library's reference services department or by filling out a feedback form on the library's website.

Q: Are the journal databases available in other languages?

A: Some of the journal databases available at the North Sumatra UIN Library are available in other languages, including English, Indonesian, and Arabic.

Q: Can I access the journal databases on my mobile device?

A: Yes, you can access the journal databases on your mobile device using the library's mobile app or by visiting the library's website on your mobile device.

Q: How can I stay up-to-date with the latest developments in my field?

A: You can stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field by regularly searching the journal databases and reading the latest articles and research papers.

Q: Can I use the journal databases for personal research or projects?

A: Yes, you can use the journal databases for personal research or projects, but you must follow the library's policies and guidelines for using the databases.

Q: How can I get help with citing sources from the journal databases?

A: The North Sumatra UIN Library provides citation assistance to help users with citing sources from the journal databases. You can contact the library's reference services department for assistance.