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Evaluating CD-ROM versions of the MEDLINE database: a checklist
1Life Sciences Library, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907.
Bulletin of the Medical Library Association
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Evaluating CD-ROM (compact disc/read-only memory) MEDLINE requires testing database content, search mechanics, and user features. Assess if the CD-ROM preserves MEDLINE strengths like MeSH vocabulary for effective searching.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Information Science
Background:
- CD-ROM (compact disc/read-only memory) versions of MEDLINE are emerging.
- Experienced searchers must re-evaluate assumptions due to new technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate CD-ROM MEDLINE products.
- To assess how well these products preserve and utilize MEDLINE's strengths.
Main Methods:
- Testing assumptions about database content, search mechanics, and user features.
- Examining display, print, and download capabilities.
- Assessing search software characteristics like truncation and Boolean operator precedence.
Main Results:
- A checklist for evaluating CD-ROM MEDLINE products is presented.
- Search examples are provided for testing search functions.
- Evaluation focuses on preserving MEDLINE strengths such as MeSH, emphasis, and subheadings.
Conclusions:
- Thorough evaluation is necessary for effective use of CD-ROM MEDLINE.
- Understanding product-specific features is crucial for experienced searchers.
- The study provides a framework for assessing CD-ROM database quality.