Computerized Literature Searching

The computer terminal is well on its way to being as commonplace as the telephone, and its usefulness to the scholar and scientist is so great that already computer screens and disks are seen frequently in academic offices. The value of computers in research is well established, with vast amounts of data being processed daily by all sizes of computers. Computers also have had dramatic effects on the researcher's literature-searching options: Scientists and scholars can now query enormous databases containing tens of millions of citations to published literature and can extract bibliographies tailored to their specific questions. The power and flexibility afforded the user of information by these literature-searching systems ease the burden of library work, but in order to use the systems effectively, it is necessary to understand both their capabilities and their limitations. Mr. Gilreath describes the principles underlying online bibliographic systems, the databases available, and the factors a researcher must consider in using them. He explores in some depth the relationship of the structure and terminology of publications in various fields to the literature-searching process and provides detailed guidelines for research in the life, health, agricultural, and social sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, geology, meteorology, engineering, education, psychology, business, law, current affairs, and the humanities. A glossary of literature-searching terms is included.

A unique reference manual for academic surgeons, this book discusses every facet of surgical research. From getting grant money to choosing a topic, reviewing the literature, planning and conducting research, and reporting results.

`As research guides go, this is probably the best, most readable and encouraging books for nurses that I have come across....I recommend this volume to students and researchers at all levels, and at all stages of their professional careers. It is an excellent read′ - Nursing Standard ′[This book] is an ideal reader for someone who is thinking about starting a research project with no or limited previous experience. This is because it outlines the whole research process from start to finish. It also provides useful tips for those who are more experienced′ - Nurse Researcher Organizing and Managing Your Research: A Practical Guide for Postgraduates deals with the practical, day-to-day aspects of managing and organizing research. Its focus is on strategies, skills, and systems that increase the efficiency and effectiveness of research practice across all research disciplines. Written in an accessible, non-technical style that speaks directly to the reader in a personal and collegial voice, this text gives practical advice and offers many tips and strategies gleaned from experienced researchers. The written text is accompanied by a website that provides downloadable templates and live links to appropriate sites. Key Features include: - Tips boxes to outline useful strategies and shortcuts based on day-to-day practice of experienced researchers. - Feature examples illustrate the practical application of some of the concepts covered - `Want to know more about ...?′ boxes offer pointers to further sources of information - `Over to you′ questions at the end of each chapter prompt the student to reflect on how the strategies and concepts can be applied to their own research project

A user-friendly guide to good writing in the biological and medical sciences.

Searching the Grey Literature is for librarians interested in learning more about grey literature. If you have ever been asked for a grey literature search but didn’t know where to start, this book will help you craft your search successfully. If you are an expert searcher but find that your library patrons are unfamiliar with the vast body of grey literature, this book may be a useful teaching aid. Those that are both new arrivals and established professionals in the field of librarianship will learn much about grey literature from reading this book, and hopefully acquire new search skills and knowledge. Although a wide range of different types of librarians or information professionals may find the content of this book useful, those working in the areas of health or social science will benefit the most from the book’s content. Searching the Grey Literature discuss different aspects of grey literature, including an introduction to grey literature, the value of grey literature, search sources for grey literature and how to conduct needs assessment before beginning a grey literature search. Search techniques for identifying grey literature documents, selecting and evaluating grey literature search sources and best searching practices are also discussed in detail.