Users can browse the database by broad subject heading with optional cross terms, browse by alphabetical subject list, or search by keyword or by several fields in the advanced search. Full records include title, author, publisher, date, coverage, format, and helpfully, user level. The resources themselves vary, but test searches produced mostly sites from governments, universities, and professional organizations, and scholarly articles in various formats.
Users are welcome to suggest a resource using an online form at the site.
This guide is simply a place to begin. Production of these records in electronic form began in 1970, but the database covers materials dating from the 16th century to the present. The records describe publications and resources encompassing all aspects of agriculture and allied disciplines, including plant and animal sciences, forestry, entomology, soil and water resources, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering, agricultural products, alternative farming practices, and food and nutrition. Auxiliary subjects that support NAL's Information Center activities, such as agricultural trade and marketing, rural information, and animal welfare, are also included. AgDB is a database directory of quality agriculture-related databases, datasets, and information systems.