while the publisher adds content-rich data that in turn increases findability
of articles for keyword searching. Using authoritative keyword lists can save
time, whether on the open Internet or when using an institution’s databases.
The Internet, while an accessible source of abundant information, has a very
unorganized and inconsistent structure. Tools that are comparable to those
used in electronic databases are being developed to support Internet searching.
Google Scholar and the advanced search options for Google and other Internet
search systems give users specific search options, such as searching for phrases,
broad subject areas, and document types. As with all organizational structures,
knowing how to use the tool results in more productive searches.
Being aware of these simple facts can facilitate searching in indexes and
databases. As mentioned earlier, not all electronic resources that were once
in print format are comprehensive in their coverage. They may go back in the
literature only 20 to 25 years. Foundational or key studies could be missed if
they were conducted prior to the date the electronic database began. Keep in
mind the frequency with which the database is updated. For example, a data-
base updated monthly will not yield a new search on a daily basis. Searches can
be programmed to be performed regularly so that new literature is identified
when it is added to the database. Practicing this as a student prepares you to
find evidence for implementing best practice.
Databases: The Same but Different
There are variations in databases just as there are variations in the human body.
In healthy people there are variations in height, weight, age, and appearance, but
overall their organ systems perform in the same manner. Databases also vary in
appearance (color, graphics, results display) even though content is the same or
very similar. Understanding how a search strategy works in one database can be
helpful in understanding how to use another database. If the results of a database
search are unsatisfactory, the help feature can offer guidance. Also, it is important
to be sure that your topic area fits with the database. For example, when you
look for information about anxiety, there may be more citations in a database
such as PsycINFO compared to CINAHL (McGrath, Brown, & Samra, 2012).
The fact that not all databases are provided by the same information vendor
can be a source of confusion. Consider the many different fast food restaurants
that offer variations of the hamburger. Each company touts a special bun, sauce,
or grade of hamburger. In the same way, vendors who provide access to the same
databases do so in various manners. Companies such as EBSCOhost, Ovid,
SilverPlatter, Elsevier, and Thomson Gale purchase database content from the
original creator and sell the content with their own design, search options, and
date ranges. For example, suppose you are using CINAHL in the EBSCOhost
system and a friend at another institution is using it through the Ovid system.
4.3 How Sources Are Organized 107