Information databases

black button Introduction

black button What is a database?

black button Why use a database?

black button Evaluating the information you find

Database searching concepts

black button Selecting a topic

black button Selecting databases

black button Identifying terms

Databases

black button Pubmed

black button CINAHL

black button International Pharmaceutical Abstracts

black button General BusinessFile Internat'l

black button Self-Test

black button Evaluate this module

black button Ask a Librarian

After going through all the sections of this self-paced module you should be able to:
  • Describe the difference between using controlled vocabulary and uncontrolled vocabulary.

  • Describe the difference between full text and bibliographic databases.
  • Develop a search strategy appropriate for the database that you are using.
  • Learn how to execute the search strategy.

To get started, click on a link in the menu on the left-hand side to view each section. A new window will open. When you have finished each demonstration, close out the window by clicking on the X in the upper right hand corner.

Information Databases gives an overview of what bibliographic and full-text databases are, why you would want to use a database, and how to evaluate the information that you find.

Database Searching Concepts examines the three important pieces of a good search strategy: selecting your topic, choosing which database(s) to search and identifying terms.

Databases will link you to the databases as well as tutorials for each database listed. The tutorials are links to various sites that have constructed tutorials, and may have different instructions on how to access the databases. If you are on campus at UNC, you should access the databases by clicking on the link provided. Instructions on how to access the databases from off-campus are included here.

Finding what you need has a link for services that are provided to distance education students associated with UNC.

A brief self-test allows you to evaluate how well you have grasped the concepts from this module. You may also evaluate this module, which will provide us with valuable input on how to improve our modules.

Finally, if you need more help in your research or the use of this module, please Ask a Librarian.

All Contents © Health Sciences Library, UNC-Chapel Hill
Comments to the Education Services Department
Last updated: April 13, 2004