Why would you search in a database when you have START and Google Scholar?
Searching in a database gives you more and better search possibilities, which increases the relevance of your search result! A search engine does not contain any information itself but searches different sources. There are limitations to how and where you can search.
What is a database?
A database is a digital collection of data. In a database you will find high quality information that is displayed in a structured way. The library of the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences takes out (paid) licenses with publishers for access. Via hr.nl/library, you can access them at home and at the school locations. The library has licences for both multidisciplinary databases and databases specific to a discipline.
These are some examples of multidisciplinary databases containing, for example, academic articles:
In addition to multidisciplinary databases, there are also databases with academic information specific to a discipline. In databases you will find factual, current and background information. Please check "Information sources per study programme" at Rotterdamuas.com/library for an overview of relevant databases for your study programme.