Database Searching
Purpose
To provide searches of more than 300 computer databases through the National Library of Medicine, Dialog®, or GALILEO or other sources as needed.
Types Of Information Retrieved
There are three types of information available through computer searches:
- Bibliographic - gives article title, journal title, volume, page, date, and (when available) an abstract.
- Factual - gives factual information as in a book and is usually refereed. A Reference Librarian can help you decide when a factual database might be appropriate for your information needs.
- Full-Text - provides computer-searchable files of existing print sources such as journals and basic texts. A Reference Librarian can help you determine which full-text resources may be appropriate to meet your needs, and provide instruction in using these resources.
How To Request Computer Searches
MEDLINE searches and searches using resources available via GaIN may be performed by individual GaIN members or community members visiting the library. Searches to be performed by the Reference Staff may be requested by email (reference.ill@gain.mercer.edu), phone (478-301-4056), or in person. Computer search request forms may be filled out by a requestor or may be completed by a reference librarian during a reference interview. For topics where the terminology cannot be translated easily into Medical subject Headings (MeSH), it is recommended that search requests be submitted in person. Normally, search results will be available in 2-4 working hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm. In clinical emergencies, it may be possible to get search results within the hour.
Searches may be picked up at the circulation desk or received via mail, fax, or email. Please tell the librarian your preference for receiving search results.
Charges
MUSM faculty members are charged a standard fee of $6.00 per database search, which is billed directly to the individual or to the requestor's academic department, depending on their departmental policy.
Reference Librarians will perform computer searches for members of the general public. Please contact the library regarding charges.
