Using the databases selection tool—DIALINDEX
The free databases selection tool, DIALINDEX, simplifies database selection for us by arranging databases by subject. DIALINDEX lets us preview search results across a group of databases. This enables us to identify databases that contain records on the subject. Once we know which database(s) has information on our topic, we can redo the search in the best one.
The search below is demonstrated using DialogWeb. You will have a chance to try searching DialogWeb on your own for the practice exercises at the end of the lesson.
For a brief step-by-step review of the DialogWeb log on procedure, click here.
To get started on DialogWeb, I will go to http://www.dialogweb.com and logon by entering my user ID and password. Tip 1
I click Go to Command Search and when the Command Search main page appears, I click Databases.
After clicking Databases, a list of subject categories displays. Now, I must choose from the eight (8) main subject categories. I'll click Medicine and Pharmaceuticals. We will see that each category is further divided into focused search topics.
For Brian's search, I will select the Research and Development category to display because I want information on medical research on marine animals, specifically coral.
A list of databases appears from which I can select the Medicine category to get biomedical information from medical journals. This category has approximately 20 databases containing information about medical, bio-sciences, and some pharmaceutical topics. Remember that the type of information we need will direct our choice of category.
Go to the next page to continue the search.
