Murdoch University Catalogue | Journal Articles & Databases | Ask a Librarian
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Databases Help

    What is a database?

    A database is simply a collection of data which can be searched for a particular piece of information. The Library's databases include indexes to journal articles and full text collections of materials such as newspapers, journals, statistical publications, encyclopaedias and legal materials. You can search the databases for information on specific subjects, using key words or concepts relevant to your research topic.

    Who can use the databases?

    Murdoch University staff and students may use the databases from within the Library and in most instances from elsewhere on campus. Many are also available remotely from anywhere you have access to the internet. Some databases may be used by members of the public, in the library only. Conditions of use apply to the use of most databases.

    Which database should I search?

    You need to select a database relevant to your topic. If you are not sure which one to choose, select a Subject Area from the drop down menu on the Databases page and you will be taken to a list of possible databases. Each database in the list has a brief description of its contents. Key databases are listed first. If you need more information about a database, select the more info option to the right of the screen.

    If you know the name of the database you wish to search, select from the alphabetical listing or the Quick links.

    If you would like to see a list of databases which include the full text of materials, select the Databases with Full Text option. However, be aware that you may be missing many relevant journal articles which are not available electronically.

    Can I use the databases from outside the Library?

    In most instances, yes. The type of access you will have is indicated in the right column of each entry in the databases lists. Types of access include:
    • Murdoch IP
      Access is only available if you are using a computer which has a Murdoch IP. This includes all computers on campus, and any computer which is connecting to the Internet using the Murdoch staff or student modem pool.
    • Murdoch IP/ Proxy
      Access is available using a computer which has a Murdoch IP, and through the Library's Proxy system if you use your own Internet Service Provider (ISP). In this instance you will be prompted for your student or staff number, and Murdoch Password.
    • Murdoch IP/ Proxy: Configuration Required
      Access is available using a computer which has a Murdoch IP, and through the Library's Proxy system if you use your own Internet Service Provider (ISP). However, you will need to configure the proxy settings in your browser first. Please read the instructions on how to do this. (At present Factiva is the only database using this method for offcampus access.)
    • Password
      A login and password is required. Please check the passwords list (Murdoch username and password required), ask at the Library's Reference Desks, phone 08 9360 6838, or use our Ask a Librarian service for details.
    • MAIS
      If you are using your own ISP you will be directed through the Murdoch Authentication and Identification System (MAIS).If you are using a non-Murdoch ISP you will be directed through the Murdoch Authentication and Identification System (MAIS). Login using your Murdoch Username and Murdoch Password. Currently only the ISIS and Gartner databases are accessed via the MAIS.
    • On campus
      The database can only be accessed on campus.
    • Library only
      The database can only be accessed from within the Library.
    • Unrestricted
      The database is freely available to anyone.

    What is my Murdoch Username and Murdoch Password?

    When you choose a database from off campus that is using the MAIS to restrict access, you may be prompted to enter your Murdoch Username and Murdoch Password. The Murdoch Username is your Staff Number, Student Number, or Person Number. The Murdoch Password is given to you when you arrive at the University and was previously referred to as the MAIS PIN.

    Check here for further information on your Murdoch Username and Murdoch Password.

    You will not be prompted for your Murdoch Username and Murdoch Password if you are using your Murdoch Staff or Student Network account. However, students using the modem pool provided for the hosts cleo.murdoch.edu.au and carmen.murdoch.edu.au will be prompted for their ID Number and PIN.

    How do I obtain passwords for Library journal databases and other electronic resources?

    Very few library resources require logins and passwords.
    In most cases, these logins and passwords are available from the passwords list (Murdoch username and password required).
    Some passworded resources are available for Murdoch University staff and postgraduate and honours students only. Contact the staff at the Reference Desks at the Murdoch or Rockingham Campus Libraries in person, by phone on 08 9360 6838, or by email using our Ask a Librarian service for details.
    The entries for resources on the Journal Databases pages will indicate if a password is required. Check the More Info notes for these resources to find out how to obtain the required details. The entries for passworded resources in the Library's catalogue provide direct links to the resources as well as information on how to obtain the passwords.
    Please contact the staff at the Library's Reference Desks if you need further assistance.

    How do I search a database?

    Most databases also have their own help sections, which outline search strategies and give examples of how to construct a search. This should give you all the help you need, but if you need further help, you may ask at the Library Reference or Information Desks for assistance.

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