How to use CD-ROMs and other databases

Fields

A catalogue or database record is divided into fields. Each field contains a different detail about an information source. Fields (and their names) vary between databases, but the most important ones are: author, title, source (which make up the citation you will need to find the information), abstract and subject headings.

You should take note of:

• Author - the person(s) or organisation responsible for producing the information
• Title - usually of the journal article, although in some databases it can be a book, thesis or book chapter
• Source - usually the name and details of the issue of the journal in which the article appeared, including the page numbers
• Abstract - gives you a brief summary of the article, book or thesis content
• Subject headings (Descriptors) - a concise description of the content of the information. Look for subject headings relating to your topic that you may not have considered already

Other fields can help you to find material on the same subject, or can give you additional details about where the information you want can be found.