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Peer Review

Searching Academic Databases: A Tutorial

Reviewed:

Aug 12, 2009 by Library and Information Services
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Ratings

Overall Rating: 3.2 stars
Content Quality: 3.5 stars
Effectiveness: 3.2 stars
Ease of Use: 3.5 stars
Overview:

This tutorial offers insight into some of the complexities of literature database searching. This resource would be of particular use to students who have already had exposure to academic databases and are looking to improve their skills.
Type of Material:

Tutorial.
Recommended Uses:

This tutorial would be valuable as an independent study tool for those about to engage in literature database searching.
Technical Requirements:

A web browser that supports frames is required.
Identify Major Learning Goals:

The student will learn about the principles of online database searching, including keywords, Boolean operators and advanced searching techniques.
Target Student Population:

This tutorial would be appropriate for high school, or college students, already familiar with literature databases.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

An introduction to literature database searching would assist with understanding the content of this tutorial.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:

Clear and concise and very basic
Concerns:

The tutorial assumes certain familiarity with literature databases. An introduction stating why students would want to search a literature database would be helpful. Some of the examples provided as screen captures need updating.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:

Is very efficient and could be used to write assignments for.
Concerns:

The tutorial assumes students familiarity with database searching. The tutorial would benefit from an expanded introduction discussing information that can be found in an academic literature database. Some complex topics (e.g. phrase searching) are touched on very briefly and would benefit from examples.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:

The tutorial sections are clearly defined and it provides, in most cases, examples of the topics discussed.
Concerns:

The database screen captures are dated. The tutorial is a functional design, but could benefit from adding visually appealing aspects. The tutorial would benefit greatly from refreshing its content and graphic design. The tutorial would be stronger if it included exercises in each section, rather than at the end.
Other Issues and Comments:

This may be difficult for students to find engaging. However, the information is valid, informative and useful. Content would benefit greatly from being updated.
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