Skip to Main Content

Subject Databases Introduction: B. What is a database?

Tutorials on Search Strategies, the Web of Science, Compendex and IEEE Xplore. Includes worksheets, quizzes and videos.

What is a database?

arrow with 3 boxes and text
What is a database?
A database is an organised collection of data, which can be facts, statistics and information.
What goes into a database is determined by its purpose, subject, and the potential users of the database.
What you get out of a database is determined by the way you use it.
This introduction is about understanding databases and how you can make the most of using them. 
Using a university database can save you time in your research and provide you with academic peer-reviewed articles.