Library databases
About databases
There are many online resources available to help with your research. Many databases will provide access to the full text of journal articles. Find out about the different types of information available, which databases are most suitable for you, and how to get access to resources on and off campus.
Why use Library databases?
The Library uses the term ‘database’ to describe a searchable online resource. Usually, the Library pays for access, however, some databases are free to use.
Using the databases provided by the Library will help you find reliable information from trusted sources.
A database may be dedicated to a single subject or cover several subjects. Some publishers also provide databases which allow you to search all their published content from one website.
You can find a variety of information, including:
- Full text articles from e-journals and other publications
- Abstracts
- Citation information
- Newspaper articles
- e-books
- Images
The Library also provides access to databases which enable you to search major reference works, for example, the Oxford English Dictionary and the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
Finding a relevant database
If you know which database you want to search, find it on the A-Z list of databases and gain access from there.
Alternatively, to find out which databases are relevant to your subject, use the Database by subject A-Z or refer to your subject guide.
You can also use Searcher which enables you to search multiple databases (and e-journal content and the Library catalogue) from a single search box. Searcher can be a good place to start your research.
Full text
When full text is available, your access to it will depend on the details of the Library’s subscription.
Once you have found a reference to an article, look out for links to 'Find it at Edinburgh', 'Full text' or similar. In many cases, these will take you to the full document for viewing or downloading.
Alternatively, check the Library catalogue to find out if we have a subscription to a print version, or ask about requesting items via Interlibrary Loans.
Sometimes you may be asked to pay for access to an article. Always check with the Library before making any payment (particularly if searching off-campus) as you may actually be entitled to FREE access via the Library's subscriptions.
Accessing online resources
The majority of resources can be accessed on and off campus, via EASE, by following the links from Databases A-Z or Databases by subject.
To access some databases you may be asked to Login via UK Federation. Usually this just involves choosing the Login via UK Federation option, and selecting 'University of Edinburgh' from a drop down list. You will then be directed to the database.
Occasionally, a separate username and password may be required to access a database and, in a few cases, it may be necessary to download specialised software to use a database.
Full access details are given for each resource on the Databases A-Z and Database by subject pages.
To access some resources off campus you may have to connect to the University’s VPN.
CD-ROMs
A few databases are only available via CD ROM. CD-ROMs are currently only available to one user at a time, on single user CD-ROM workstations, in specific libraries.
These workstations are usually available whenever the libraries holding them are staffed. Please contact the relevant site library for further details.
Searching for older information
If you’re looking for older information, databases may not always be the best source.
For certain subject areas printed indexing and abstracting journals may still be the best, and only means, of tracing references to literature.
Help using databases
Like websites, databases are all designed differently and it can take time to learn how to use them effectively. Most databases include help pages or FAQs.
However, becoming familiar with a few basic principles, will help you find the information you want whatever database or online resource you are using.
Additional guides for some databases have been produced by the Library and are available via the Databases A-Z or Databases by subject pages.
If you require any further information please contact the IS Helpdesk.
This article was published on Jul 26, 2012