Academic databases: Analysis of Turkey and Azerbaijan samples

The basis of the academic database concept is to convey the current and reliable information needed in the academic field to authorized users as soon as possible, with the protection of copyrights. Academic databases are divided into different types according to their information and technical possibilities. These types are bibliographic, abstract, citation and full text academic databases. As it is clear from their names, each database has its own specific content, but academic databases, which are the main theme of this thesis, contain the features of other databases. The approaches of university administration, libraries, publishing houses and authors to full-text academic databases were also researched and it was revealed that every group generally benefited from this technology. The benefits of this technology have also been explored for the more specific group of people with visual or cognitive disabilities. Along with the importance of the academic database, the technical infrastructure of this technological tool was also examined. Technologies, database systems, indexing, storage, metadata, interface, filtering and search engine required for the creation of this tool are discussed in detail. Academic databases are not only about technical transactions, but also licensing, access methods, protection of publisher and author rights are as important as the technical infrastructure structure. To demonstrate the purpose of the research, academic databases JSTOR, Ebook Central, Taylor & Francis, and Turcademy which are used in Turkey and Azerbaijan were analyzed and compared. Evaluation and comparison analysis was made according to content, platform, content formats, information processing, search facilities, access methods, authentication, functionality and reliability, vendor support and procurement criteria. Thanks to the literature researches, personal experience and database analysis, valuable suggestions were made in the conclusion part and new ideas were produced for the further development of the databases.