The database is structured using the LILACS Methodology, which comprises:
LILDBI-Web, and more recently, FI-ADMIN Software: programs used to make the description and indexing of documents, in addition to performing data checking, required by the Methodology;
SeCS Software - Periodical Publications Collection Control System: used to control the collection of journals and control the titles of magazines;
DeCS vocabulary - Health Sciences Descriptors: controlled vocabulary used in indexing to ensure accurate retrieval of bibliographic references;
Bibliographic Description Manual (7th revised edition - 2008): guides you in filling in the LILDBI-Web and FI-ADMIN data fields;
Indexing Manual: guides in indexing the documents described in LILDBI-Web and FI-ADMIN. LILACS indexing follows an indexing policy quite similar to the NLM - National Library of Medicine;
Document Selection Guide: guides in the selection of documents and journal articles that will be inserted in the LILACS database.