Databases for learning and entertainment

During the pandemic, it’s not uncommon for some students to feel isolated from their friends and family as well as from their academic lives.

In an effort to help students during these difficult times, the Pierce College Library should advertise their many, free databases.

Whether it’s for academic use or simply to kill boredom, at least one of the databases at the library’s disposal would likely catch somebody’s attention.

Journal Storage (JSTOR) is a pay-touse database that gives students access to journals, primary sources and books. But when accessing this database through Pierce College, access is free.

Students can use this resource not only for their school work, but also to do research on topics that interest them.

Another way students can pass the time is through databases such as

“EBSCO EBooks,” which grants students access to “a collection of over 75,000 e-books.” Although it can be used like JSTOR to aid them with their research, EBSCO has access to books that are not solely research-based. With many filters to narrow their search, such as cooking, humor and travel, students can find a book that they’ll find interesting.

This is especially true when the national quarantine started in early March. Google Searches for ”free books” saw an immediate increase starting the week of March 22nd.

Also, BookBub noticed a steady increase on their pages promoting fullpriced books too. “Engagement and sales from our articles, which predominantly feature full-priced books, are up by almost 50% since March 15.

And the various emails we send highlighting preorders and new releases at full price have also seen steady or increased engagement and sales since mid-March.”

Students may be happy to know that their log-in grants them access to free movies. Swank allows students 24/7 access to films such as “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Get Out” and “Pulp Fiction.” Kanopy also allows access to free films, but is limited to nine films per month.

Students can gain access to more popular movies, such as “Lady Bird,” “Moonlight,” “Midsommar” and “The Last Black Man in San Francisco.” newsroom.roundupnews@gmail.com

During the pandemic, Pierce has put more money into these services, which means more access for learning and entertainment for students without spending another dime.