Picking the right databases to subscribe to is a critical part of the process of setting up a research library. Unfortunately, picking the right databases is about as easy as picking the right cell phone plan. In both cases, it would be great to compare apples to apples. In the real world, though, you have to be satisfied with comparing apples and oranges … and then deciding which fruit you like best.
Resources do exist which provide bits and pieces of information that can be helpful in making that decision. One of them is the Academic Database Assessment Tool, offered by the Center for Research Libraries Global Resources Network (http://adat.crl.edu/databases).
The tool enables you to compare the overlap of journal coverage between selected databases. For example, suppose you were interested in subscribing to Compendex, GEOREF, and Inspec. Using the tool, you will find the following …
COMPENDEX
Compendex is a comprehensive bibliographic database of engineering research, containing over 10 million records taken from over 5,000 engineering journals, conferences, and technical reports.
The broad subject areas of engineering and applied science are comprehensively represented. Coverage includes nuclear technology, bioengineering, transportation, chemical and process engineering, light and optical technology, agricultural engineering and food technology, computers and data processing, applied physics, electronics and communications, control, civil, mechanical, materials, petroleum, aerospace and automotive engineering as well as narrower subtopics within all these and other major engineering fields.
GEOBASE
GeoBase provides comprehensive bibliographic data in the areas of human and physical geography, geology, geomechanics, ecology, international development, and oceanography.
•Geology - Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Sedimentary, Igneous and Metamorphic Geology, Stratigraphy, Palaeontology, Geophysics, Environmental Geology, Economic Geology and Energy Sources
•Geomechanics - Rock and Soil Mechanics, Hydrogeology, Dams and tunnels, Earthquake Engineering, Site Investigation, Risk analysis, Waste disposal
•Oceanography - Physical Oceanography, Marine Geology, Marine Meteorology, Biological Oceanography, Chemical Oceanography, Pollution and Environment
•Physical Geography - Meteorology and climatology, GIS, Mapping, Remote Sensing, The Quaternary, Hydrology, Soil science, Global Change, Environmental Pollution, Geomorphology and Sedimentology
•Human Geography - Environmental resources, Demography, Culture, Politics, Rural and Urban studies, National, Regional and Community Planning, Environmental Planning, Trade and Development, Agriculture, Industry, Transport, Tourism, Historical Geography
•International Development - Environment, Agriculture, Natural resources, Economic reform, Investment, Industry, Demography, Urbanisation and Housing, Health and Food, Education, Poverty, Gender, Culture, Aid, Trade, International relations, Politics
•Ecology - Terrestrial Ecology, Aquatic Ecology (Marine, Estuarine and Freshwater), Microbial Ecology, Conservation, Applied Ecology (including Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Pests/Diseases and Pollution), Evolution and Palaeoecology
INSPEC
Inspec is the leading English language bibliographic information service providing access to the World's scientific & technical literature in physics, electrical engineering, electronics, communications, control engineering, computing, information technology, manufacturing, production and mechanical engineering.
Using the tool on each of these databases, you find the following …
Overlap Titles
|
Unique Titles
|
Total Titles
|
|
Compendex
|
375
|
3235
|
3610
|
GEOBASE
|
375
|
1826
|
2210
|
Overlap Titles
|
Unique Titles
|
Total Titles
|
|
Compendex
|
2086
|
1524
|
3610
|
Inspec
|
2086
|
2662
|
4748
|
Overlap Titles
|
Unique Titles
|
Total Titles
|
|
GEOBASE
|
241
|
1960
|
2201
|
Inspec
|
241
|
4507
|
4748
|
So, if your budget can accommodate two, but not all three, of the databases, you have a little bit of information to help you prioritize your choices.
Find more useful tips at: www.jeansteinhardtconsulting.com
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