Answered By: Claire Sewell
Last Updated: Apr 21, 2020     Views: 180

Some databases are subject-specific; others, such as Web of Knowledge and Scopus, cover a wider range of subjects and are designed to help you do a comprehensive literature search. You can access the databases to which the university has access via the eresources@cambridge web page, or via the directory on iDiscover.

  • You can browse the databases by using the alphabetical letters, which are all clickable links. This will list databases alphabetically by title.
  • You can search for databases using the search box. For example, ‘science’ brings up all the databases with that word in their title.
  • Just click on any database that looks interesting and you will be directed to the relevant website. Please note that some databases have different access restrictions (such as needing a Raven password), so check out the icons to the right-hand side of each database to see what your options are.
    • But beware - not all databases are named usefully, i.e. their names do not always correspond to their content: JSTOR covers material from over 50 disciplines, but you might not guess that from the title.
  • You might find it more useful to search for databases and other e-resources by subject.
    • Once you've selected the most relevant subject, browse the list of resources, and click through to gain access.

These databases are a good starting place for your research, but remember that you can also ask a librarian for help!