CSD 291: Introduction to Scholarship and Inquiry in Communication Sciences and Disorders Course Guide

What is a Database?

A database is a compilation of selected data that has been organized so it can be searched. For a small sample of the universe of databases, see the Fogler Library Indexes and databases page.

Examples of databases include:

Databases can be generated by humans or by software. The component data is collected systematically and deliberately (but not always comprehensively). All the data is presented in the same format ("record" or "entry"). Because of the time required for data collection, formatting and subject indexing, few databases cover very recent research.

Database records are arranged in a logical (but not always obvious) manner:

In libraries, "database" usually means an online collection of citations, most of which refer to journal articles. Most library databases are commercial products sold in a global marketplace. As a result, they may refer to materials the library doesn't own, materials in languages other than English, etc.

Selecting the "Right" Database(s)

For a quick overview of a database, read its "About" or "Information" section...or ask a librarian.

Appropriate selection criteria

• Subject coverage
• Disciplinary slant (note: in some disciplines, the database can be identified--but not in communication sciences and disorders!)
• "Value-added features": thesaurus or other standardized terminology, limits, output options, etc.
• Non-subject coverage: time period, geographical region(s), material type(s), language(s), etc.

Other factors that may influence your decision

• Access to full text
• Your schedule, if the database is not available 24/7
• Your geographic constraints, if the database is not remotely accessible
• Your finances, if you must pay to search the database
• The library or institutional budget for database subscriptions.

CSD Databases and Indexes

[End of class session 1]

Database Interfaces

The interface--the "packaging" wrapped around the database--can significantly influence your search. Different interfaces may provide very different

Examples of different interfaces to the same database:

Expect to see interfaces change during your time at the University of Maine, and to see different interfaces at different libraries.

Searching Databases

Search steps

• Using databases off campus?
  • Activate your library card at the Fogler Library circulation desk. (Distance education students: use the Library Card Application page.) Wait a day or two for complete activation.
  • Computer problems? See How to Connect.
• Document your research process--list the databases you used, the search terms you tried, etc.
• When possible, select "Advanced" interfaces for the most search options 

1. Define your topic and parameters.
2. Identify individual concepts within your topic.
3. Search for each concept separately. Use subject headings or terms from the thesaurus whenever possible.
4. Combine the concepts.
5. Apply limits to the results.

Using subject headings or terms from the thesaurus

A thesaurus is a list of subject headings (single words or phrases). From time to time, new terms are added and older terms are updated. Generally each database uses its own thesaurus. If there's a "mapping" or "suggest subject headings" feature, use it to find terms in the thesaurus.

The subject headings are usually related to each other within a hierarchy. The "explode" option selects a subject heading plus more specific terms within its hierarchy. Use it when it's available.

In CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, ERIC (CSA), Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts, MEDLINE, and Sociological Abstracts, exploding retrieves all terms in a hierarchy. Watch out for partial explodes (only 1 level of the hierarchy) in ERIC (EBSCO) and PsycINFO. For example, exploding Speech Disorders in the PsycINFO Thesaurus will not retrieve Dysarthria unless you also explode the intermediate term Articulation Disorders. Current subscriptions to Education Full Text and MLA International Bibliography do not include an explode function.

Combining concepts

Combine subject headings or sets using ANDs Aphasia+ and Craniocerebral Trauma+ s1 and s2
and ORs. Craniocerebral Trauma+ or Cerebrovascular Accident+ s1 or s2

Applying limits

Apply limits as needed. Common limits include publication year and language (or "English-only"). Some databases enable limiting by age groups or publication types. Full text limits are generally a waste of time unless your assignment is due in the next hour and you are desperate.

Evaluating What You Find

Critically evaluating items will improve your papers, and save you time and money.

Print-based sources (journals, book chapters, ERIC documents, etc.)

• Use database limits for an initial screen (for example, retrieving only references to journal articles published in the last 5 years)
• Is the source "peer-reviewed," "refereed," or "scholarly?" Or is it a "trade" or even a "popular" publication?
• Does the individual citation refer to a peer-reviewed journal article (vs. an editorial, book review, etc.)?
• Read and assess the title and indexing: Is the item relevant?
• Skim and assess the abstracts and/or full text (if available). Do you understand what you're reading?

"Born digital" (Internet-only) resources

Check for authenticity, accuracy, completeness, and bias

• Checklist for Evaluating Web Sites
• T is for Thinking
• Web Page Evaluation Checklist (PDF file)

Finding Items at Fogler Library...and Beyond

See Finding Items at Fogler Library and Getting Items From Other Libraries.

Journal articles

• Some of the links on the Ejournals list may not work for distance education students
• If you are going to visit another library, call before you travel. Check hours, policies, copying fees, and whether the issue you need is available.
• More information about interlibrary loan:
  • Most article copies are free, but sometimes other libraries charge delivery and copying fees. On the request form, indicate the maximum cost you are willing to pay in case there is a charge.
  • Paper copies are sent to Fogler Library.
  • Distance education students can use the Off-Campus Library Services Document Delivery System to get copies of articles
  • Distance education students: Only Off-Campus Library Services delivers paper copies directly to your preferred address (and this adds to the delivery time).

Books, dissertations, and government documents (including ERIC documents)

• Usually listed in the URSUS catalog by title and author
• Book chapters: search by the title of the BOOK ("Source" or "In")
• Conference proceedings: use "keyword" searching

Questions?

Created by: Nancy Curtis | Revised: 01/25/2008

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