Beyond Google for your research: Databases

What are databases?

A database is an organised collection of information from:

  • journal literature
  • theses
  • conference papers
  • newspaper articles
  • reports

The Library subscribes to a range of databases which are bibliographic and/or full text.

Bibliographic databases contain references or citations. If the database does not provide full text access, the “Find it” Library software may help to locate the full text via another database. For information, see here.

Database interfaces

Regardless of the interface, most databases have at least some of these common features:

  • basic or advanced search screens
  • combine search terms
  • limit or refine options
  • save, print, email or export options
  • help screens

Examples of different database interfaces (or providers) used by the Library include Ovid, ProQuest, and Compendex.

Hot Tip - Use the database help screens to find out how to combine your search terms and what truncation and wildcard symbols to use.

Which database should I use?

Use the Database list from the Library home page to access a complete list of databases.

To browse databases by subject use the menu on the left hand side of the page.

Hints

  • You will need to search more than one database.
  • There may be more than one database covering the same subject area but they may contain different sources.
  • The topic may also be multidisciplinary, eg articles on email and security could be found in business, information management or health databases.

Perform your search

This is an example of a search strategy in the database ProQuest Central.

Select and retain your search results

Select your references

Review your search results and select relevant references.
Note: To find out more about selecting or marking references check the database Help screens.

Save the references

Use save, email, print or export options. You can often export your results either to EndNote or to a free bibliographic management tool. The Managing References guide has more information on organising and managing your references using EndNote, Cite-U-Like, Mendeley or Zotero.

Saving searches

The search history is the record of your search path. It can be useful to save the search history or make a copy of your search statements. You can then repeat your search at a later date to update your references.

Some databases allow you to create an Alert or an RSS feed for your search. Each database's Help screens will provide instructions.