Atla Religion Database: A Comprehensive Resource for Theological Research
For scholars, students, and researchers in the fields of faith and spirituality, accessing high-quality academic literature is essential. The Atla Religion Database (ATLA RDB) serves as a premier index of academic journal articles, providing a centralized hub for scholarly discourse in religion and theology.
Published by the American Theological Library Association in the United States, this database is designed to streamline the search for peer-reviewed content, ensuring that researchers can find precise citations across a vast array of religious disciplines.
Key Facts
- Producer: American Theological Library Association (United States).
- Total Records: Over 2.1 million records (with over 3 million article citations).
- Coverage: Global scope covering theology and religious studies.
- Temporal Range: 1949 to the present, with some retrospective indexing dating back to the nineteenth century.
- Update Frequency: Updated monthly.
- Access: Available via subscription through providers such as EBSCO.
Comprehensive Content and Scope
The Atla Religion Database is more than just a list of journals; it is a detailed index that captures various forms of scholarly writing. The database primarily focuses on journal articles, essays, and book reviews, ensuring a holistic view of the academic conversation surrounding religion.
One of the standout features of ATLA RDB is its treatment of multi-author works. The database indexes items such as Festschriften (celebratory volumes honoring a scholar) and conference proceedings by creating separate records for each individual essay. This granular approach allows researchers to locate specific contributions within larger volumes more efficiently.
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Database Statistics at a Glance
The scale of the database reflects its position as a leading resource in the field. It encompasses over 3 million article citations sourced from more than 2,400 journals. Additionally, it includes over 500,000 book reviews and more than 250,000 essay citations derived from over 18,000 multi-author works.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Disciplines | Theology, Religious Studies |
| Format Coverage | Journal articles, essays, book reviews |
| Geospatial Coverage | Global |
| Provider | EBSCO (Subscription) |
| Update Cycle | Monthly |
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the Atla Religion Database?
The Atla Religion Database (ATLA RDB) is a specialized index of academic journal articles, essays, and book reviews focusing on the scholarly fields of religion and theology.
How far back does the database coverage go?
While the primary coverage spans from 1949 to the present, the database includes retrospective indexing for certain journals that extends back into the nineteenth century.
How are multi-author works like conference proceedings handled?
ATLA RDB indexes multi-author works, including conference proceedings and Festschriften, by creating separate, individual records for each essay contained within the work.
How can I access the database?
The database is available on a subscription basis and is typically accessed through database aggregators such as EBSCO.
How often is the information updated?
The database is updated on a monthly basis to ensure the inclusion of the latest scholarly research.