BIOSIS Previews® is the world's most comprehensive reference database for life science research. It covers original research reports and reviews in biological and biomedical areas. Coverage includes traditional areas of biology, such as botany, zoology and microbiology, as well as related fields such as biomedical, agriculture and ecology. Interdisciplinary fields such as medicine, biochemistry, biophysics, bioengineering and biotechnology are also included. Nearly 5,500 serials are monitored for inclusion. In addition, the database covers content summaries, books and meeting abstracts, papers and posters. Content summaries include notes and letters, technical data reports, reviews, U.S. patents from 1986 to 1989 and from 1999, meeting reports from 1980 to present, bibliographies, nomenclature rules, and taxonomic keys. The BIOSIS Previews database includes the contents of Biological Abstracts (1969 to present), Biological Abstracts/RRM (1980 to present) and BioResearch Index (1969 to 1979). As part of the Web of Science (WoS) BIOSIS Previews permits convenient use of Biosystematic Codes/Names for searching groups of organisms as well as the use of Concept Codes/Headings that represent broad subject areas.

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.

Zoological Record provides access to publications in animal biology and biodiversity. It covers 5,000 serials, plus many other sources of information, including books, reports, and meetings. It contains, in particular, a significant amount of literature on insects, reptiles, birds, fish and wildlife which is not included elsewhere (e.g. in BIOSIS Previews). It is also a leading taxonomic reference work.