More than 200 peoples and ethnic groups are indexed on the basis of different sources. Underlying data are results of field research published as ethnographic monographies, essays or manuscripts which are used as "primary data" and subject-indexed by applying a highly complex and differentiated system down to the level of single paragraphs. The indexing is done according to the "Outline of Cultural Materials" (OCM) that contains over 700 different classification elements. Additionally, a keyword search at full text level is possible. The database is updated on a regular basis.

This historic journal index enables the simultaneous search in millions of citations for articles published in the arts, humanities and social sciences, across more than 300 years. It enables researchers quickly and comprehensively to identify articles relevant to their field of study and reduces what could take years of research to a matter of minutes. Journals indexed span 37 key subject areas and multiple languages.

The SpringerLink platform provides MPG staff with access to a huge collection of English and German eBooks from 2005 onwards, as well as the English and the German collection of the Springer Book Archive (1842-2004). In addition, the content of selected book series is available. Includes major reference works and dictionaries. Max Planck researchers who publish a monograph or edited volume with Springer Nature as an Open Access eBook receive a discount on the standard Book Publishing Charge. MPDL covers the costs remaining on a pro rata basis. Further details are available on the MPDL website.

Archive of 15 periodicals and proceedings published online by Trans Tech Publications during the period between 1984 and 2022. The archive - with its broad subject diversity and its renowned journals indexed in well-established databases (e.g. Material Science Forum, Defect and Diffusion Forum, Key Engineering Materials) - is a valuable platform for the bibliographic retrieval of scientists, especially in the field of modern solid state and materials science.