Frequently Asked Questions about databases

By database, we mean structured, often huge collections of data, from a library and content service point of view, from which we can retrieve information of interest to us in many ways. These collections range from journal articles and e-books to statistics and medical procedures, to chemical reactions and bibliographic data, but all share a common interest that by subscribing and collecting them, the Library wants to support the scientific and educational activities at the university.

The Database Portal contains financially:

·     subscribed and

·     free databases (Access column)

In terms of content:

·     databases that include full-text content (such as complete publications or full magazine grades), and 

·     databases that only contain bibliographic information (author, title, publication data) (Source type column). In many cases, for example, when looking for literature, the latter can be very useful in knowing where to start when collecting material - even if the full text is not accessible.

By topic, the "Speciality" column can be browsed.

For subscribed databases, where possible, we always try to provide insight into what is available in the database by publishing address lists (journal or e-book). These can be called up in the info files by clicking on the little message icon next to the database name.

Not necessarily. Many databases consist of multiple (usually discipline) subpackages, not all of which are subscribed to by the University. The information files also include this information.

The free databases are accessible from anywhere, to anyone.

Based on the contracts, the University Library and Centre for Learning subscribed databases’ scope of authority also require some form of control, which in most cases refers to the buildings (sites) physically belonging to the University. Subscribed content from these places can be used without login.

Even if you are not physically on campus, you will still be able to access these databases, but this will require some configuration. See the following page for instructions.

 
In Compass search you can check which other institutions in the country have access to the content you are looking for.

Questions and comments are welcome by our database subject librarians: