What is the difference between an Index, and Abstract and a Full-text Database?

The information in library databases comes in different formats. Some databases, such as MLA (Modern Language Association) provide only citations for information sources, and specific words that describe the information in the source. They are called Indexes.

Index Database:

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Other databases provide more information. In addition to citations, they might include abstracts (a short description of what a work is about) and thus are called Index/Abstract databases. By reading an abstract, you can often get a sense of whether an item will be useful in your research. One example of this kind of database is ERIC, which is provided by the Education Resource Information Center, a subdivision of the Department of Education. Many index/abstract databases link to full text in other databases the Library subscribes to.

Index/Abstract Database:

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Lastly, there are databases, such as Lexis-Nexis, that provide full-text access to articles. These full-text databases provide citations and abstracts as well.

Full-Text Database:

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