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Current Events and Issues
Using Index Databases for Finding Answers
Abstracting and Indexing Defined “A category of database that provides
bibliographic citations and abstracts of the literature of a discipline or subject area, as distinct from a retrieval service that provides information sources in full-text.”
-Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science
Abstracting and Indexing Defined
While the strict definition still holds true, increasingly, index databases provide information in full-text.
The Evolution from Electronic to Print In the Olden Days…
Print indexes, (as do electronic) directed the user to the article
Full-text must then be located in the library Or not – Interlibrary Loan (Resource Sharing)
Drawbacks to print
Time consuming to use Indexes are often arranged by year
User may need to search multiple volumes Index being used by another patron Citation only
Current uses for Print Indexes
Retrospective coverageAlthough, many electronic databases are now
providing indexes from earlier periods Through ignorance or choice, patrons
often disregard print indexesEven if the scope of coverage is better
Electronic Indexes
Updated (daily, weekly, monthly) Allows multiple users (depending on
license) Increasingly provides access to full-text Easier to determine if the library has
access to the full-text
But some things never change
The librarian and user must determine the right index to use
Categories of Indexes
Periodicals General indexes - covers a broad field
Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature (Wilson Omni file) http://ezproxy.dom.edu/login?url=http://hwrelay.hwwilsonweb.com/cgi-bin/jumpstart.cgi?sp.dbid.p=S%28F5%29
Academic Search Premier (EbscoHost) Subject indexes – Cover a narrow, specific field
Cover not only articles, but materials found in books, pamphlets, reports and government documents
Applied Science & Technology Index Library Literature
Categories of Indexes - Newspapers:
Chicago Tribune: Print Index: 1972 Electronic index: 1985
New York Times Print (Crown Library) 1851-1874, 1946-present Electronic index: 1985 (Newspaper Source)
Wall Street Journal Print Electronic index: 1972 (Lexis Nexis)
Which Index to use?
The name may reflect the subject - Example Art Index
Or, consult a reference work to locate an appropriate index: American Reference Book Annual (ARBA) Magazines for Libraries Guide to Reference Books Ulrich’s Periodical Directory
Where is it Indexed?
Locating periodicals: SourcesUlrich’s Periodicals Directory Magazines for Libraries (Print)
Access Points
Index publishers determine access points Typically, general access points include:
Title Author Subject (heading) Keyword
Index-specific access points can include ISSN Journal Name Country of publication And on and on and on…
Searching an Index – Subject Headings- Defined:
“A subject heading consisting of two or more words that together represent a single concept ("Book reviewing") or two related concepts ("Libraries and adult education").
-Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science
Searching an Index – Subject Headings- Defined: “A descriptive word or phrase selected by a subject
specialist at the Library of Congress from the list of Library of Congress Subject Headings and assigned to a book or other item when first published to indicate its subject. Multiple subject headings are assigned when necessary or desirable. The complete list of LC subject headings is published annually in a multivolume set colloquially known as "the big red books," usually available in the reference section of most large public and academic libraries and in the cataloging department of smaller libraries. “
-Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science
Searching an Index – Subject Headings- Controlled Vocabulary Library of Congress Subject Headings
Used in most large public libraries and academic libraries – AKA the red books
Sears List of Subject Headings Abridged version of LCSH
uses fewer subject headings Intended for use by smaller public and school libraries
Subject Headings
A controlled vocabulary (subject headings) allow for greater specificity in searching
Usually provides more accurate search results
Ease of use
Subject Headings
Indexers (and now computer programs) identify key terms in the text of materials
Assign subject headings from a list of subject heading terms
Controlled Vocabulary: Thesaurus
Defined: “A book of synonyms and near-synonyms in a written language, usually arranged conceptually, although dictionary arrangement is not uncommon.”
-Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science
List of terms used for indexing and for searching, similar to subject headings
Are usually specific to subject database
Searching an Index – Using Key Word Keywords can be used to search
TitleAbstractFull-text
Searching with keywords provides less precision
Many, many more returned results
Questions?
Happy Searching!