Indexes & Online Databases
Indexes
- Print and electronic format
- Provide bibliographic references to mainly journal articles but also books, conference papers and newspaper articles.
- Some only provide the reference, others will provide an abstract which will help you decide if you need to view the whole resource.
- Usually subject specific.
- Contain references to information published in many sources.
Most indexes are now available electronically as databases.
Online Databases
There are three main types of database:
- Bibliographic - citation and abstract databases
- Full text - often concentrate on specific topics
- Suites of full text electronic journals from individual publishers
It is crucial that you choose the right database for your subject and topic and bear in mind all databases are different, treat each one individually and check them all, don't assume just one will provide you with everything you need.
Points to remember
- Translate your keywords into the subject language of the different databases.
- Check your keywords against the subject heading lists or the thesaurus of the database.
- Use the help screens.
- Most systems allow you to download or email your search strategy and results, providing an efficient way of keeping track and recording references.
If the databases you have used are not full text or do not have a purchasing option you will need to check your list of references against the library opac to see if you can view the resources straight away. If your library does not hold the relevant source you may have to use the inter-library loans service to acquire your material.
|
