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Biology Databases

The Colorado State University Libraries subscribes to hundreds of databases. A thorough search often requires that you consult more than one database. TheCSU Libraries' Databases Webpage has a full listing of accessible databases. For some hints on how to select and use databases try our Help with Databases site.

Primary Databases in Biology

  • Biological Abstracts (1969-present) EBSCO
    Biological Abstracts is one of the foremost sources of bibliographic references to the life science literature including international reviews, reports, meetings, and books. This database allows researchers and students to retrieve references to vital biological and medical research findings, clinical studies, and discoveries of new organisms. Coverage is international, and includes agriculture, biochemistry, biomedicine, biotechnology, botany, ecology, microbiology, pharmacology, and zoology.

  • Biological Sciences (1982-present) CSA
    This interdisciplinary database offers abstracts and citations to a wide range of research in biomedicine, biotechnology, zoology and ecology, and some aspects of agriculture and veterinary science. Supporting over two dozen areas of expertise, this CSA database provides access to literature from over 6000 sources including serials, conference proceedings, technical reports, monographs and selected books and patents.

  • Biology Digest (1989-present) CSA
    Geared for undergraduate research, Biology Digest is a compilation of abstracts and indexes of domestic and international literature in the area of life sciences. Its purpose is to aid in keeping students and instructors current on the latest developments in biological research.

  • CAB Abstracts (1973-present) EBSCO
    Primarily focuses on applied life sciences and agriculture. This is an excellent resource for animal and plant sciences.

  • MEDLINE NLM (PubMed) (1950-present) PubMed
  • MEDLINE (OVID) (1966-present) OVID
    Produced by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the MEDLINE database is the premier database for bibliographic and abstract coverage of international biomedical literature.

  • Web of Science (Science Citation Index Expanded) (1900-present) ISI
    International coverage of a wide range of scientific literature. This database also offers cited reference searching.

Secondary Databases in Biology

Full-Text Databases

  • BioOne (coverage varies according to each journal) BioOne
    Full-text coverage of important journals in the Biosciences produced by society publishers.  Journals focus on ecological research and are generally full-text from the year 2000 forward.
  • JSTOR (coverage varies according to each journal) JSTOR
    Full-text coverage of 9 botany journals and 42 biological sciences journals, including the American Journal of Botany (1914-1999); American Naturalist (1867-1999); Evolution (1947-2001); International Journal of Plant Sciences (1992-1999);  New Phytologist (1902-2001); Quarterly Review of Biology (1926-2001); and Systematic Botany (1976-2000).
  • ScienceDirect (coverage varies according to each journal)
    Full-text coverage of all Elsevier journals at least as far back as 1997. Many titles are available full-text as far back as the first issue, including all Cell Press titles.