Database Literature Search - Essay Example

Information stored in a database is accessible at any time and can be used by multiple users at the same time. With improvements in computing technology, information stored in online databases is accessible from distant locations when there is a connection between the sources.

Methods of database literature search

Truncation- This is a technique that broadens your search to include various word endings and spellings.

Boolean operators- They connect your search words to either narrow or broaden your set of results. The three basic Boolean operators are: AND, OR, and NOT.

Phrases- the use of parentheses or quotes around the search

Keyword and subject heading- describe the content of each item in a database. Use these headings to find relevant items on the same topic

Literature search on price

To carry out a literature search on price, I chose six articles. The criteria for selecting and rejecting the article were based on:

1. Ways to find subject headings and keywords.
2. Use keyword searches and phrases that describe the topic.

• Browsing the results; choose 2 or 3 that are relevant.

1. Looking at the Subject field and noting the terms used
2. Redoing the search using the terms.
3. Results become more precise than your initial keyword search

The final articles were:

1. Natty, Marion (2002). Price Theory, 146, (34)
2. Mika, Ondilo (1992). Demand and Supply pp (24)

• Gerry, Jeruld (1982). Economics. 16, pp. 4-4.

1. Emmanual, Nyawanda (2011). Determinants of Price. Pp 5
2. Susan, Guma (2006). Economics Theory, (5), 13

Method used

The method used is a keyword and subject headings describe the content of every item in the database. Keyword searching is how you typically search web search engines.  Searching by subject headings is the most accurate way to search literature in the databases. It is not normally easy to presume which subject headings or keywords to use in a particular database.  The process is as follows:

Choosing your keywords

When choosing a keyword, consider words with similar meanings. For instance, cost, demand-supply, price, and finance

You should also consider alternative spellings e.g. organization or organization and take care of acronyms and truncation in choosing the keyword.

Planning your search strategy

Combine your keywords to yield results that match what you are searching for by using words such as AND or OR. You can also apply dates to filter the search and the period with which the articles were published. Specify the database that you are going to search and use a keyword that can be accessed easily via that database.

Evaluation of results

This stage allows you to establish the credibility of your search by considering factors such as the geographical area it covers, credibility, and whether it is up-to-date. Other factors to consider include the language used and whether it is consistent with the prevailing situation.

Managing your results

Using a web-based service by creating a database of references, will help in recognizing the sources the next time you visit the database. Also, create a list of references (bibliography), save, and other website services that can help you trace the information. 

Save references

References are used to acknowledge the source of the information. They include

Supporting material is on Learn

Information & Enquiry desks in the Library

Your Academic Librarian