Lesson 1-5 : Using the databases selection tool DIALINDEX - Searching DialogWeb for the Engineering Professional

Using the databases selection tool—DIALINDEX (continued)

When the list of databases in the the Engineering Research category displays, I see databases covering specific subjects, such as transportation research, fluid engineering, and petroleum, to name a few.

I want to search the entire category to see which databases have information on the Iridium project. I also have the option of scanning just a couple of databases in the category.

Above the list of databases is the Databases command text box where I can enter my search strategy. For now, I will type a SELECT command followed by my search terms.

select iridium and satellite and cellular

Tip 1-4

Don't worry about how to write the strategy; I will go into more detail about creating search strategies in Lesson 2.

Now, I will click the

button to proceed.

1-5

Learn More #5:

Knowing the content of databases is extremely important to get accurate search results. I often look at the database descriptions to get specific information about the database content.

For example, if we want to search Energy Science and Technology we can click the titles of the databases and review complete descriptions of these files.

I should probably review several databases here before deciding on my choice, especially if I want to see what the focus of a specific database is. This is especially important when the databases contain more diverse information.

File Description

Energy Science & Technology (formerly DOE ENERGY) is a multidisciplinary file containing worldwide references to basic and applied scientific and technical research literature. The information is collected for use by government managers, researchers at the national laboratories, and other research efforts sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, and the results of this research are transferred to the public.

Abstracts are included for records from 1976 to the present. The database corresponds in part to Energy Research Abstracts and INIS Atomindex, as well as to other publications. An online thesaurus is available; the hardcopy thesaurus is available from the National Technical Information Center (NTIS).

File 803 is available for ONline Training And Practice and contains Energy Science & Technology records from early 1990.

Search Tip 1-2

Requesting the database description opens a second copy of our Web browser. We can leave this open for reference during the search.

We simply click the original page on the desktop if it is visible, use ALT+TAB to switch between screens, or use the "boxes" on the bottom menu bar in Windows.