Database FAQs
Databases are searchable collections of published sources of information, such as journal articles, books, standards, case law, conferences and dissertations.
Databases can be searched by keywords, authors names etc. to find articles which include the search terms you have entered. Search options vary between databases.
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ECU Library's online resources such as e-books, e-journals or library databases are purchased for use by ECU students or staff. This means that you will be prompted to authenticate with your usual ECU login and password, when you try to connect to any of these resources from an off-campus location (e.g. working at home or at work).
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Some databases are more relevant to a particular subject area. To find the recommended databases for your subject, check the relevant "subject guide" at:
http://www.ecu.edu.au/library/faculty/index.html
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A database will search for the terms/keywords you have entered. Any database search depends on identifying appropriate keywords to use as search terms. Some databases have a thesaurus that you can check to help in the selection of keywords. When a thesaurus is not available, you may need to find alternative terms to describe your topic, especially if your original keywords find either too few or too many articles.
e.g. If few articles found expand your search terms (e.g. communication instead of listening)
If too many references are found, choose a more specific search term (e.g. listening instead of communication).
You can refine your search by using boolean AND, OR, NOT:
AND to narrow a search (i.e. all words need to be included in the search).
OR to broaden a search (i.e. search can include any of the words).
NOT is used to exclude a term from the search.
- Other tools:
Truncation will find all forms of the word. e.g. child* will find child, children, childhood, etc.
"Phrase search" place your phrase between inverted commas to force a phrase search.
American spelling: Beware of the differences between American and English spelling and terminology. e.g. behavior/behaviour, pediatric/paediatric. American spelling is normally used in Library databases.
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You can link directly to a database through the Library catalogue. Use the catalogue's journal or title search option and search for the database title: http://library.ecu.edu.au/search/t
You can also use the A-Z Databases on the Library homepage.
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MetaQuest is a portal that allows searching across one or more library databases.
There are several search options available through MetaQuest.
Quick Search is available through a search box on the library home page. You will need to select your broad subject area as each broad subject area searches a different pre-selected set of databases.
Databases by Subject: This option displays all the databases which may be relevant to your subject area. Select a broad subject area, then a sub-category and then click on the GO button. You will be presented with a list of databases relevant to your subject area. Click on the database title to search it.
MetaSearch allows you to search several databases of your choice, concurrently. Unlike Quicksearch, you are able to select your own set of databases.
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- The MetaSearch option in MetaQuest allows you to select and search several databases of your choice.
- Ebsco databases, which include key health databases, can be searched simultaneously.
- Australian databases from Informit, can also be searched simultaneously.
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Citations found through a database search will often display links to the online version of an article (full text or pdf). When the full text of an article is not available in the database which you are currently using, generally a FindIt@ECU button will be displayed. Click on the button and then "GO" to link to the full text if available or search the catalogue for a print copy.
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- If using Internet Explorer, ensure it is version 6 or higher. Alternatively, try using Mozella Firefox. Mac users should use Safari or Mozilla Firefox.
- Try changing your ECU password.
- Check that your internet browser security settings are medium or low. (tools>internet options).
- Ensure that your internet browser has the pop-up blocker off, so that pop-up windows are allowed.
- Security settings in your firewall and anti-virus software can block access. Try temporarily turning off your firewall, then try reconnecting to MetaQuest.
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Select a podcast or a video clip from our collection of online tutorials on accessing library information, database guides and research tips: http://www.ecu.edu.au/library/services/podcasts.html
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Journal FAQs
Journals, like magazines, trade journals and newspapers, are published at regular intervals.
Journals may also be known as periodicals or serials.
Research is published in academic or scholarly journals. Articles in these journals provide the best way to keep up to date with current research in a subject area.
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A refereed or peer-reviewed article is one that has been assessed by experts in the field and the research found to be of a standard worthy of publication in a refereed journal. These experts my be editorial board members or, in the case of peer review, colleagues who are respected in the subject area.
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Some databases allow you to limit the search to articles from "Refereed" or "Peer Reviewed" journals.
Ulrich's International Periodical Directory is an online database that will specify if a journal title is Refereed. You can link to Ulrich's from the library catalogue.
If you are using the Article locator or the FindIt button in a database, the page displayed provides a link to Ulrich's.
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All print and online journals held at ECU are listed in the Library's catalogue.
Select Journal Title from the catalogue and type the journal name. For online journals follow the link "connect to e-journal".
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- Find It @ECU, checks if the journal article you are after is available online through ECU Library. You will need to enter the journal title (or part of the title at least), and citation details. e.g. year, volume, pages.
- In addition to providing you with links to the online copies of an article, when available, a link to the ECU catalogue is also provided, as the article may only be available in print at a campus library.
- Alternatively, you can run a title search using the Journal Title search option in the ECU Library catalogue, as all print and online journals held by the library are listed there.
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