research & resources
In its role of collecting and disseminating information on domestic and family violence in Australia the Clearinghouse has developed two searchable online databases.
The aim of the Research and Resources database is to provide a central directory of all material on domestic and family violence produced in Australia, whether formal research findings, journal articles, pamphlets, unpublished reports, training kits or videos from 2000 onwards. In order to assist its clients, it also includes information on key international material and selected material published prior to 2000.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Obtaining items from the database
“Behind the scenes”: Background information, technical questions, feedback
Database content
What does the database contain?
The Research and Resources database aims to index all Australian material on domestic and family violence published from 2000 onwards as well as selected older and international material.
What is meant by “Research and Resources”?
The database contains both research findings in the form of journal articles and reports and resource materials for domestic and family violence workers, such as videos, training kits, government reports and leaflets.
What "selected older and international” material is contained in the database?
Material identified as key documents on domestic and family violence but published overseas or before 2000 will be selected by the Clearinghouse director (Gaby Marcus) for inclusion in the database. Priority will be given to references cited in Clearinghouse publications. Searching for a particular subject, such as, for example, “the effects on children and young people”, will therefore provide the user with a brief bibliography of key publications on this topic.
What is the difference between the Links page on this website and the online documents in the database?
Whilst the Research and Resources database indexes specific online documents, the Links page provides hyperlinks to general organisational websites of agencies whose work is concerned with domestic and family violence.
How does this database differ from other social sciences databases available through libraries? Isn’t this just a duplication of existing resources (e.g. Family, CINCH)?
The Research and Resources database differs from other abstracting and indexing services in its emphasis on what is known as “grey literature” or “ephemera” – leaflets, reports, less formal publications that are often hard to track down, frequently disappear after their publication and may even be lost by the original producers. Our database is also freely available across the World Wide Web and not restricted to subscribers.
Database audience
Who is the database for?
Like all of the Clearinghouse’s activities, the Research and Resources database aims to meet the information needs of government agencies, generalist and specialist service providers, researchers and interested members of the public.
“I’m a DV worker, not a researcher – is there something here for me?”
You can find training kits, examples of pamphlets produced by other services, videos to purchase ... practical resources to assist you in your everyday work with people affected by domestic and family violence.
What about those without Internet access? Will they miss out?
The Clearinghouse acknowledges that, whilst the Internet and World Wide Web provide opportunities for efficiently and effectively sharing information, not everyone has equal access to this technology. If you have colleagues without any access who would also benefit from this facility, let them know that they are welcome to discuss their information needs with the Clearinghouse’s Information Officer, who can search the database on their behalf.
(Keep in mind also that public libraries offer free or low-cost internet access.)
Obtaining items from the database
Does the Clearinghouse provide assistance in obtaining the items indexed in the database?
Yes. There are availability guidelines listed for most entries in the database. This information is a guide only. Often this information changes so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you do have any problems with these guidelines.
Does this mean that the Clearinghouse can provide me with every item listed on the database?
No, but we can provide access to most items. While we hold only a small collection of items directly in the Clearinghouse, and do not operate a lending service, we have recently obtained permission to provide a document delivery service, within the boundaries of copyright law. This means we might be able to provide you with a copy of the item you require (within quantity limits). In other cases, you may need to obtain an interlibrary loan, and in some cases you may need to purchase (or obtain a free copy) of an item directly from the original publisher or producer.
I can't quite understand the availability details for the records I've found. What do they mean?
Most records have an availability listing at the bottom, which provides you with details of how to obtain a copy of the item in question. If the Clearinghouse has a copy of the item in our collection, we can provide you with a copy (or part thereof) of the item in question (within copyright restrictions), upon completion of a signed copyright form. Please contact us in this circumstance.
If you use a particular library regularly, it would be worth checking that library's own catalogue for the item. If the item is not available from the Clearinghouse and you do not have access to the other libraries, you will need to obtain an interlibrary loan through your local/ workplace/ university library.
Where the cost is known, this has been listed under 'Availability' (with details of the original distributor) but the accuracy of this detail is not guaranteed. Where we know the item to be free of charge, we have also included this information.
What is an interlibrary loan? Do they cost money?
An interlibrary loan is an item borrowed by one library from another on behalf on one of its clients. You can order an interlibrary loan from any library of which you are a member (workplace/ public/ university).
Libraries charge each other for this service (approx. $13) but whether the cost is passed onto the client varies according to the library's individual policy.
If you need an item that is not available from the Clearinghouse and you are unable to purchase or obtain it from the original distributor, you will need to obtain an interlibrary loan. [Please note that the Clearinghouse cannot obtain an interlibrary loan for you. You need to contact your own library.]
“We’re running our service on a shoestring budget. We can’t afford to go buying resources or paying for interlibrary loans.”
We have tried to maximise the number of availability options for each item and minimise the items for which your only option is to pay for an interlibrary loan or to purchase the item. Keep in mind though that some services rely on sales as one of their sources of income.
“I work for a government department with our own library service that provides me regularly with interlibrary loans. Should I contact you or them once I identify an item on your database that I'd like to obtain?”
If you do have access to a library service through your workplace or research institution, they should be your first port of call in obtaining the publications you want, once you have identified them on our database. Obviously, if the Clearinghouse is the only place with the item, you should come directly to us. We regret that copyright laws prohibit our providing you with items which we do not own or to which we do not subscribe.
Searching the database
How do I find out how to search the database?
You can do a simple search or browse the database without any preparation. To use the advanced search optimally, it is recommended that that you read the help page first.Do I need to use a particular browser to search the database?
You need a browser that is Java and Javascript enabled. One of the following browsers is recommended: Internet Explorer, 32-bit, v3.01 build 1155, 1215 or later; Netscape Navigator, 32-bit, v4.07 or later. You can download the latest versions of these browsers at the Netscape and Microsoft sites respectively.
I’m having problems using the database. I’ve read the help section but I am inexperienced with this sort of technology.
The database has been designed to be as clear and simple to search as possible and we hope that even the most inexperienced computer user will find it easy to use. If you do have difficulties ring or email the Information Officer with your questions.
Submissions to the database
“Our organisation published a training kit on domestic and family violence in February this year. Why isn’t it in the database?”
Whilst the Clearinghouse’s aim is to list all Australian information on domestic and family violence from 2000 onwards, we are still developing our methods of ensuring that we meet this goal. If we haven’t listed items you have produced or are aware of, please accept our apologies and forward us details of the item.
“We’re only a small service. We have published some leaflets but they only apply to our local area and have been produced on a low budget. We don’t have any extras to give out to others either. Should we submit them?”
Yes. The Clearinghouse is particularly interested in including material that wouldn’t be otherwise found in libraries or databases. Perhaps your leaflets will provide inspiration or ideas for other services, saving them time, helping them to produce the best possible resources, avoiding duplication of effort, ultimately helping to prevent domestic and family violence and assisting victims. With your permission, we could make copies for other parties and you would only need to give us one.
Where should I send items?
To our postal address.
"Behind the scenes"
Who developed this database?
The database has been developed through the combination of the subject area expertise of the first Clearinghouse Director, Lesley Laing, and the information management/librarianship skills of the Clearinghouse’s original Information Officer, Louise McLeod (in consultation with advisers from the School of Information Systems, Technology and Management at UNSW). Dale Gietzelt, who was previously the Information Officer, expanded the database by finding and adding more items to our catalogue, as well as implementing further changes and streamlines to the database. Judy O'Rourke, the current Information Officer will be planning changes to the website and updating the infrastructure. The former Librarian Cristina Scott has also contributed to the development of the database. The new director, Gaby Marcus, is continuing to augment the content of the database.
What software has been used?
The database has been built using DB/Textworks and WebPublisher, products from Inmagic.
I have some suggestions about the database? Where do I send them?
We welcome your feedback and suggestions. Check our contact details.
