Question

Part 1

Erik, a nursing student, has an assignment to research information regarding evidence-based practice associated with hand hygiene methods and products used when caring for a client-ordered contact precaution. Erik realizes that he will need to access the library’s nursing databases and is feeling overwhelmed by the vast amount of published information on the topic

1. What differences between an index system and an electronic database will Erik consider when planning his research?
2. What different attributes/features can Erik use to conduct an effective, concise online search for appropriate nursing literature?
3. What advantage will a federated search provide for Erik’s search?

Answer 1

1. An index systems that are generally based off of print resources can be limiting and may notallow access to the vast majority of information that electronic databases have to offer. Electroincdatabases allow for the user to find information and search specifically in different formsincluding full-text articles and books . When Erik is planning on doing his research he should understand that libraries receive their databases from vendors which hold certain amounts of information that may be specific to what he is researching and may not.Different databases will hold different information .

2••Being able to narrow down a search and find specific information pertinent to the topic being researched is important in conducting an effectice online search. This can be done through anelectronic database by adjusting the parameters and using keywords

3••A federated search allows the user to search multiple databases at once .This can limit the time it takes to search multiple databases and also allows for a larger variety ofsources at one time.