Library databases
About databases
There are many online resources available to help you with your research. Many databases will give you 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 although 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
You can find out which databases are relevant to your subject by using the Database by subject A-Z or by referring to your subject guide.
You can also use Searcher which enables you to search multiple databases relevant to your subject from a single search box.
Alternatively, if you know which database you want to search you can find it on the A-Z list of databases and access it from there.
Full text
Where 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 access to interlibrary loans or other library services.
Sometimes you may be asked to pay for access to an article. You may actually be entitled to FREE access to these articles - always check with the Library before making any payment (particularly if searching off-campus).
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
When you’re looking for older information (usually pre-1980), databases may not be the best source.
In this case, and with 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 find the information you want.
Help and search tips are usually provided on the database website. Additional guides 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 Help Desk.
This article was published on Jun 27, 2011