Databases include many different types of material (articles, reports, book chapters, conference papers etc). Some will only include bibliographic details (references) whilst others also include the full-text version.
The links on this page will take you to catalogue records where you should follow the 'View Online' link.
Why use databases?
- To quickly find high-quality peer reviewed resources for your subject. Including articles not indexed by Google Scholar.
- To use advanced search functions- including the ability to save search histories and set up research alerts.
- To export results lists directly into Reference Management software such as EndNote, Mendeley and Zotero.
Many of these features are not offered by internet search engines or Library Search.
You will need to search across multiple databases to find a broad range of literature.
Interdisciplinary databases
These databases cover a wider range of subjects and are of general use to most people. They can be used to supplement the subject specific databases listed below.
- International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS) - cross-disciplinary coverage across the social sciences from 1951. Covering four primary subject areas: anthropology, economics, political science and sociology.
- ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global - comprehensive collection of dissertations (PhD) and theses (Master's) from around the world.
- SAGE Research Methods - tool to help you design research projects, understand particular methods and conduct research.
- Scopus - thousands of high quality science, social science and arts journals some dating before 1970. Enables easy citation tracking.
- Web Of Science - covers all aspects of the sciences, social sciences and humanities since the early 20th century. Enables easy citation tracking.
Key subject databases
These databases focus on specialist subject areas and are an excellent starting point for your research. As their range may be narrower they are often used with the larger interdisciplinary databases.
- Business Source Complete - business studies, marketing and management. Includes key trade publications, industry case studies and company profiles.
- Communication and Mass Media Complete - covers media studies, journalism, linguistics, popular culture and IT.
- Econlit - from American Economic Association, covers all aspects of economics and economic history.
- International Political Science Abstracts - from International Political Science Association. Covers politics and international relations.
- LGBTQ+ Source - includes full text articles, books and newspapers covering all aspects of gender studies LGBT+ studies and feminism.
- Ovid - MEDLINE - biomedical and health journals covering clinical care, public health and health policy development.
- ProQuest One Business - includes full text articles, reports, books and videos covering all aspects of business and marketing.
- PsycINFO - from the American Psychological Association, it covers all fields of psychology and neuroscience.
- Race Relations Abstracts - multi disciplinary coverage of racial and ethnic studies including: sociology, law, immigration and discrimination.
- SocINDEX Full Text - in-depth coverage of sociology. Also contains materials related to criminology, gender studies, ethnic and racial studies.
Further subject databases
For more recommended databases for each subject, visit the Database Search list on Library Search and use the databases by category filters.
Get further help
If you need assistance with choosing or using databases, get in touch with a librarian.