Bibliographic database

A database used for organizing and retrieving bibliographic information

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A bibliographic database is a database of bibliographic records, an organized digital collection of references to published literature, including journal and newspaper articles, conference proceedings, reports, government and legal publications, patents, books, etc. Bibliographic databases are used by researchers, librarians, and students to find relevant literature in their field of study.

Structure and Function

Bibliographic databases typically include metadata such as the title, author(s), abstract, and keywords of each publication. They may also include information about the publication's source, such as the journal name, volume, issue, and page numbers. Some databases provide full-text access to the publications, while others only provide citations and abstracts.

The primary function of a bibliographic database is to facilitate the discovery and retrieval of relevant literature. Users can search the database using various criteria, such as keywords, author names, publication dates, and subject categories. Advanced search features may include Boolean operators, proximity searching, and citation tracking.

Types of Bibliographic Databases

Bibliographic databases can be categorized based on their scope and content:

• Subject-specific databases: These databases focus on a particular field or discipline, such as PubMed for biomedical literature, PsycINFO for psychology, and IEEE Xplore for engineering and technology.

• Multidisciplinary databases: These databases cover a wide range of subjects and include publications from various disciplines. Examples include Scopus and Web of Science.

• Citation databases: These databases track citations between publications, allowing users to see how often a work has been cited and to explore related research. Google Scholar and Scopus are examples of citation databases.

Importance in Research

Bibliographic databases are essential tools in academic and professional research. They help researchers:

• Identify gaps in the existing literature.
• Stay updated with the latest developments in their field.
• Conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
• Track the impact and dissemination of their own work through citation analysis.

Challenges and Limitations

While bibliographic databases are invaluable resources, they also have limitations:

• Access restrictions: Some databases require subscriptions or institutional access, limiting availability to certain users.

• Coverage bias: No single database covers all publications, leading to potential gaps in literature searches.

• Data quality: Errors in metadata or incomplete records can affect the accuracy of search results.

Also see

• Library catalog
• Digital library
• Open access
• Reference management software

External links

• National Library of Medicine Bibliographic Services
• WorldCat