A database is a collection of information organized to provide efficient retrieval. The collected information could be in any number of formats (electronic, printed, graphic, audio, statistical, combinations). There are physical (paper/print) and electronic databases. Today most databases provide information retrieval electronically.

Databases can have information in text, graphics and audio format as well as newspapers and articles from journals and magazines. 

Why us a database for my assignments?

Using this type of resource will provide credible information.

How do I know which one to use?

It depends on the topic you need to research. Usually a librarian can direct you to the proper one(s) to search on.