The WISO database which mainly offers German-language literature on economics and social sciences has been given a new interface.
What’s new? The main new features are the design of the user interface and the ability to access the contents of the various sources directly.
What remains the same? The content and data remain the same and the familiar search functions stay the same.
Further information can be found in the relaunch guide (in German only).
AI technologies are increasingly being integrated in scientific databases. We have summarized the advantages and disadvantages of AI technologies in databases and explain, how this option can be used effectively.
In addition to content summaries and the in-depth exploration of documents, the use of AI in scientific databases also involves a Natural Language Search (NLS). This search mode is an (optional) component of the Simple or Advanced Search and allows search queries to be formulated in everyday language.
The NLS mode uses Natural Language Understanding (NLU) to understand the intent and contextual clues in a query. This function is particularly beneficial for less experienced database users.
As an example, we have tested the use of Natural Language Search in the Ebsco database Academic Search Premier. In addition to the usual search modes, you can also select NLS in the simple search.
The query entered is displayed above the result list as a search string with linked search terms (show refined query). However, the search is only carried out within simple search mode, which means that important search results could be overlooked. An advanced search provides a more detailed overview.
Due to the simple search mode, formal search criteria or filters are not recognized at the moment. Here are two examples of NLS search queries and their counterparts.
Example 1: “Show all articles from 2020 that contain the keyword automation in the abstract”. This is transformed into a search string as follows: automation AND (abstract) AND (2020).
Example 2: “I need articles on climate change that were published between 2020 and today for a research paper I am writing” is transformed into the search string: ((climate change OR global warming) AND (article OR research) AND (2020 OR 2021 OR 2022 OR 2023)).
Filters such as “Source Type” or “Publication Date” are not recognized. Furthermore, in example 2, the time period is not set to include 2024 or 2025, although the keyword “today” was used. It could be due to the status of the training data for the AI. This can also lead to important search results being overlooked.
The NLS search finds a maximum of two alternative search terms for one search aspect. Deeper filtering, e.g. to limit results to articles from a specific journal (publication), is not possible in the NLS.
Of course, AI technologies in databases are constantly evolving, so this information can quickly become outdated.
Another database that uses AI technology to support the research process is Statista. Here, the “Research AI” tab offers the option to search in natural language (except for the content of Consumer Insights and Company Insights). There are examples of prompts that can help you to interact effectively with the AI. In Statista, the results found are summarized by the Large Language Model (LLM) Claude 3 Sonnet and the sources used are indicated below the summary.
Unfortunately, this database does not provide the search terms to track how and where searches were carried out. Possible follow-up questions are suggested to users for further exploration of the topic.
Other databases that already use AI to support searches are Web of Science (Smart Search: free of charge & already available; Web of Science Research Assistant: fee-based, not yet included in the license), ScienceDirect (ScienceDirect AI: fee-based, not yet included in the license) and Scopus (Scopus AI, fee-based, not yet included in the license).
The rules of prompting (entering a query) can also be helpful for database searches. In particular, the query should be formulated clearly and precisely and avoid unnecessary filler words.
As this topic is highly discussed and very much evolving, information can quickly become outdated. Please also check the websites of the providers mentioned and contact our information desk if you have any questions.
Further information can be found here:
A study on ArXiv states that the costs for APCs in Open Access have tripled from 2019 to 2023. This clearly requires a solution, as these costs are no longer sustainable for libraries and universities. Diamond Open Access (DOA) Journals are gaining increasing importance in this context. These journals offer free access to both readers and authors without publication fees (Article Processing Charges, APCs). But what makes DOA so special, and which projects worldwide demonstrate how successful this model can be? This article provides an overview of successful DOA initiatives and offers insights into how universities can promote this model internally.
Diamond Open Access refers to a publication model in which scholarly journals are freely accessible, and authors do not have to pay any fees. According to the OA Diamond Journals Study (2021) by cOAlition S and Science Europe, DOA journals account for approximately 73% of the publications registered in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), with a strong presence in the humanities and social sciences. They are often funded by universities, libraries, or public institutions, making them a sustainable and equitable model. Below is a brief list of projects worldwide and in Europe that focus on Diamond Journals. This list does not claim to be exhaustive.
European projects like DIAMAS and CRAFT-OA, funded through Horizon Europe, strengthen the sustainability of DOA journals. DIAMAS develops institutional publishing models, while CRAFT-OA, with its Diamond Discovery Hub (under development as of May 22, 2025), enhances the visibility of DOA journals. These initiatives, along with support from Science Europe and the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science (2021), promote the spread of the DOA model in Europe.
While the Diamond Open Access (DOA) model is valued for its ethical and cost-free publishing approach, caution is warranted, as not every publisher labeling itself as “Diamond” adheres to these principles. Some publishers misuse the term “Diamond” to attract authors and readers while charging hidden fees or neglecting the quality of peer review, which contradicts the standards of reputable DOA journals. Such practices can undermine the credibility of research and the principles of open access. Universities and researchers should therefore scrutinize the transparency and funding models of publishers and rely on established platforms and databases like DOAJ to ensure collaboration with reputable Open Access journals.
Despite their advantages, DOA journals face challenges, such as reliance on volunteers or the lack of long-term archiving strategies (57% of DOA journals, according to the OA Diamond Journals Study by cOAlition S and Science Europe [page 96], lack such strategies). Nevertheless, they offer significant opportunities: they promote bibliodiversity, support multilingual research, and align with guidelines like Plan S, which demand open access.
At the Technical University of Chemnitz, we are actively committed to Diamond Open Access to promote free access to scholarly research. The university library operates a platform for Open Access journals based on the open-source software Open Journal Systems (OJS), hosting several high-quality DOA journals, including the innoTRAC Journal, GAMM Archive for Students (GAMMAS), and the Journal of Embedded Selforganising Systems. These journals cover innovative topics such as traction mechanisms, applied mathematics, and computer science and are completely free for both authors and readers. Through our Open Access policy, which has enabled primary and secondary publications in the MONARCH-Qucosa repository since 1995, as well as through training and advisory services, we promote the visibility and sustainability of our researchers’ work. The platform also supports the assignment of persistent identifiers like DOIs to ensure maximum reach and long-term archiving.
If you are interested in establishing a Diamond Open Access journal at TU Chemnitz and becoming part of this forward-looking movement, please contact me via the university library to receive support and further information.
In an era where Article Processing Charges (APCs) for academic publishing often reach thousands of euros, posing significant financial barriers for researchers, and paywalls restrict access to scientific knowledge, platforms like SciPost offer a groundbreaking solution. Through its Diamond Open Access model, SciPost ensures that neither authors nor readers face costs, providing a sustainable and equitable alternative to traditional publishing. For researchers at the Technical University of Chemnitz, SciPost is an excellent opportunity to share research globally without financial hurdles.
Founded in 2016 by physicist Jean-Sébastien Caux, SciPost is an academic-led publishing platform specializing in natural sciences, including physics, chemistry, mathematics, and astronomy. Manuscripts can be submitted directly or via the preprint server arXiv.org. SciPost employs a transparent Open Peer Review process (peer-witnessed refereeing), where referee reports are published online after editorial review, with reviewers able to remain anonymous or disclose their names. By 2023, SciPost has published over 2,000 articles, including works by renowned researchers like Nobel laureate Giorgio Parisi.
Journals such as SciPost Physics, SciPost Chemistry, and SciPost Physics Proceedings cover a broad spectrum of disciplines. All articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license, allowing use, reproduction, and distribution for commercial and non-commercial purposes, provided the original source is cited.
Unlike traditional publishing models that charge high APCs or reader fees, SciPost’s Diamond Open Access model eliminates all financial barriers. The platform is funded through contributions from libraries (the University Library of Chemnitz), universities, funding agencies, and consortia, potentially including TU Chemnitz. This approach promotes equitable scientific communication and aligns with the principles of the Berlin Declaration on Open Access of 2003, which TU Chemnitz supports.
SciPost uses the PubFracs system to allocate institutional affiliations of authors, ensuring fair distribution of financial support among contributing institutions. The average cost per article is approximately €500.
SciPost offers numerous advantages for TU Chemnitz researchers:
TU Chemnitz supports Open Access through its Publication Fund, which assists researchers with funding for Open Access publications, though SciPost requires no APCs.
SciPost provides Chemnitz researchers with a unique opportunity to share their work globally without financial barriers, supporting a fair and transparent publishing model.
Below is a summary table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Publishing Model | Diamond Open Access: free for authors and readers |
| Funding | Voluntary contributions from libraries, universities, and consortia |
| Peer Review | Open Peer Review, reports published online |
| License | CC BY 4.0, allows use and distribution with source citation |
| Cost per Article | ~€500, 5–7 times lower than traditional APCs |
| Number of Articles | Over 2,000 published by 2023 |
| Founder | Jean-Sébastien Caux, founded in 2016 |
| Main Journals | SciPost Physics, SciPost Chemistry, SciPost Physics Proceedings |
Since the introduction of the European accessibility act, which aims to improve the accessibility of products and services, the EPUB format has been preferred to the PDF format as the standard for the online provision of e-books. Several e-book providers such as Ebook Central (Proquest) point out this change in recent reports, as it has an impact on the use of e-books in their portals.
EPUB files adapt flexibly to screen sizes and fonts. The disadvantage: there are no fixed page numbers in the documents. In science, however, page numbers are required in many citation guidelines in order to make citations retrievable. In this blog article, we explain how to cite from EPUBs despite the lack of page pagination.
Screenshot of a “page view” of an EPUB e-book in Ebook Central. The “page number” at the bottom right can vary.
What to do if the EPUB format does not provide fixed pages? There are various alternatives for referencing citations from EPUB files:
If you look at the relevant manuals, you will find rules on how to cite in continuous text or footnotes and how to create bibliographies. We show some examples here. However, deviations are possible in individual cases, as even the handbooks leave room for interpretation in places.
| STYLE | REFERENCE LIST | SAMPLE | REFERENCE LIST | EXAMPLE | In-Text-CITATION | EXAMPLE |
|---|---|---|---|
| APA | Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the book: Subtitle of book (Edition, if applicable). Publisher. DOI or nondatabase URL (if available) | Mankiw, N G. (2025). Macroeconomics (12th ed.). Macmillan. | (Mankiw, 2025, Chapter 2-1) |
| Chicago | Author Last Name, Author First Name. Title of the Book. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year. DOI or URL (if available) or name of database. e-book reader. | with URL from commercial database:
Mankiw, Nicholas Gregory. Macroeconomics. New York: Macmillan Publishers, 2025. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/tuchemnitz/detail.action?docID=31813253 with indicating e-book format when used via e-book reader: Mankiw, Nicholas Gregory. Macroeconomics. New York: Macmillan Publishers, 2025. ProQuest Ebook Central. EPUB. |
Foot- or Endnotes are used. Example:
“Economists distinguish between two types of quantity variables: stocks and flows. A stock is a quantity measured at a given point in time, whereas a flow is a quantity measured per unit of time.”² Foot-/Endnote: |
| Harvard
(nach: Cite Them Right 2022) |
Author surname(s), initial(s). (Year Published) Title. Edition. [e-book reader]. Place of Publication: Publisher. Available at: URL or DOI (Accessed: day month year). | Mankiw, N. G. (2025) Macroeconomics. 12th edn. [EPUB]. New York, NY: Macmillan. Available at: ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/tuchemnitz/detail.action?docID=31813253&ppg=295 (Accessed: 19 February 2025). | (Mankiw, 2025, chapter 2-1). |
| MLA | Last Name, First Name of First Author, et al. Title of Book: Subtitle if Any. Edition if given and is not first edition, e-book ed., Publisher Name often shortened, Year of publication. Name of Database, DOI number/URL/Permalink or e-book format. | with URL from commercial database:
Mankiw, Nicholas Gregory. Macroeconomics. 12th ed., e-book ed., Macmillan, 2025. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/tuchemnitz/detail.action?docID=31813253&ppg=295. with indicating e-book format when used via e-book reader: Mankiw, Nicholas Gregory. Macroeconomics. 12th ed., e-book ed., Macmillan, 2025. EPUB. |
(Mankiw, ch. 2-1) |
| IEEE | J. K. Author, “Title of chapter in the book,” in Title of Published Book, xth ed. City of Publisher, State, Country: Abbrev. of Publisher, year, ch. x, sec. x. [Online]. Available: http://www.web.com | [1] N. G. Mankiw, Macroeconomics, 12th ed. New York, NY, USA: Macmillan (Inc.), 2025. [Online]. Available: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/tuchemnitz/detail.action?docID=31813253&ppg=295 | consecutive numbering of references in text: [1, ch. 2-1] |
If possible, a DOI or (nondatabase) URL with access date should always be linked in order to make the source clearly traceable. In general, the DOI is preferable to the URL in the citation context, as it never changes and always refers to the same target object. If there is only one URL and this URL links to a source in a commercial database behind a paywall, it can be replaced by the name of the database (e.g. ProQuest Ebook Central) according to some regulations. However, the APA guidelines explicitly state that the name of a database may be omitted if the sources can also be found elsewhere (e.g. on another platform).
Some citation guidelines recommend specifying the format of the e-book reader used, such as Kindle or EPUB, when citing from e-books that are accessed without a URL on an e-reader, an e-reader app or on a computer with e-reader software.
For all those who want to delve deeper: The most important citation standards provide helpful information – especially on detailed questions regarding the correct citation of e-books without page numbers. The current editions of the regulations can be found in the University Library collection:
In addition, our MIKA e-learning module on Citation & Referencing provides a comprehensive overview of academic citing and referencing in general (it will be availabe in English soon). We are also happy to discuss all questions relating to citation and reference management with Zotero and Citavi in our personal “Book a Librarian” consultations.
EBSCOhost has moved to a newly designed graphical user interface. This relates to all EBSCO-databases licensed by the University Library:
In the drop-down menus below the search mask, filters such as publication period, document type or peer review as well as various search modes (e.g. AND/OR operators, “Also search in full text”) can be set before the search is carried out. Depending on the database selected, a list of relevant publications and a subject thesaurus are also available:
Screenshot of the EBSCO-Academic Search: Filter options, search mode settings, publication lists and thesauri can be found – depending on the selected database – in the menu below the search mask.
After the search, a pop-up menu can be opened by selecting “All filters” below the search mask. Here, further filters can be defined:
Screenshot of EBSCO-Academic Search: Filter options after the search
The “Document available?” button can also be used to check directly whether literature without full-text availability in EBSCO is licensed via other university library services:
Screenshot of EBSCO-Academic Search: The “Document available?” button is used to check whether the document searched for is licensed via another service of the library.
Only the indexes previously offered (e.g. index of persons) are no longer available. Instead, name suggestions are made directly when an author’s name is entered in the Author search field:
Screenshot of the EBSCO-Academic Search: suggestions are made when text is entered in the search field.
The functionalities in the dashboard for saved articles and searches as well as for citation have been expanded.
For more information, see the introductory tutorials to the new EBSCOhost or contact the library. All databases can be accessed via DBIS.