Databases contain large amounts of data including (but not limited to) statistics, bibliographic information, images and abstracts.
Bibliographic databases are a useful tool for finding scholarly literature in your subject area. This includes (but is not limited to) journal articles, conference proceedings and books. They are very useful to consult when carrying out your own research because:
Bibliographic databases are helpful when you want to start exploring beyond your reading list or are researching a new topic.
On this page you will find recommended databases and guidance on how to search for and access databases.
Database:
A collection of structured and organised data that is stored, searched and accessed electronically.
Bibliographic database:
A searchable platform that contains descriptive records of articles, books, conference proceedings, audio-visual material, maps, newspapers, and more.
Abstracting service:
Used to refer to a bibliographic database, the service provides abstracts of publications.
Indexing service:
Used to refer to a bibliographic database, the service provides descriptors to help organise and navigate publications.
Full-text:
This means you can read the item in full from beginning to end, not just the abstract or summary.
Oxford subscribes to lots of databases you can use for free. You will likely find you need to use several databases for a thorough search of your subject area. The tabs at the top of this section take you to key databases for Commonwealth Studies and a link to browse all databases in African Studies.
You can also search for specific databases via SOLO. Note, some key texts may be available via a database but not individually listed on SOLO.
For those seeking advice on accessing databases, we recommend the following guides:
Below are key bibliographic databases applicable to those studying Commonwealth Studies at Oxford.
Depending on the database provider, you may need to use your Oxford Single Sign On to access materials.
Below are key databases applicable to those studying Commonwealth Studies at Oxford that provide resources beyond purely bibliographic data. They include access points for data and statistics. Data is defined as related items of (chiefly numerical) information considered collectively, typically obtained by scientific work and used for reference, analysis, or calculation. (OED)
Depending on the database provider, you may need to use your Oxford Single Sign On to access materials.
In addition to subscribed to databases there are a number of freely available websites where material relating to Commonwealth Studies can be accessed. A selection of these sources is listed below.
To browse a list of databases for Commonwealth Studies, follow the link below which takes you through to Databases A-Z.
If the Bodleian Libraries don't have a database you are looking for, you can make a recommendation by completing the form below (Oxford Single-Sign On required).