Why is a periodical database valuable for research?
Why is a Periodical Database valuable for research?
A periodical database is valuable for research because it offers students the advantages of database searching when using a periodical index. What this means is that instead of a student going through periodical index volumes one at a time, the entire range of volumes is searched with the results displayed immediately. Today, when searching within vendor database options, not only can one entire database, but now a number of databases can be searched simultaneously.
In addition, the records retrieved can be organized in a number of ways, such as by date published. There are more search options available such as keyword or title searching, or combining search fields into one search. Limiters and expanders can be used such as limiting results by date or within a date range, or by journal title. Expanders can include searching various word endings such as theology – theologies – theological at one time, instead of searching each separately. In addition, records can link to other records that share the same subject heading(s) or author.
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Students can create lists of search results or email articles. They can also create user accounts, which saves their search results. In addition, databases often display bibliographical formats found in a number of style guides. Perhaps the greatest advantage is that a student is no longer required to be physically present in the library to work on an assignment, but can access a number of resources anywhere there is an internet connection.
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Another development in periodical databases is the addition of what is known as Full-text. This means that the full text of an article is attached to the record, providing immediate access to it. In the past, a periodical index listed the bibliographical information of an article, and then a student would need to check the catalogue to see if the periodical title and issue were in the collection, and, if so, then retrieve it from the shelf. This was time-consuming, especially when, as with a large university library, the periodical collection was housed in a separate building. It was frustrating, too, if a particular title was not subscribed by the library. This could mean requesting an interlibrary loan, which could take a number of weeks to fill.
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At first, full-text was in HTML, so the text was a long, continuous scroll without page numbers. However, PDF format is now used. It is like a snapshot of the article as it appears in print, so page numbers are readily visible for citing. Most databases only offer a percentage of full text articles compared with the number and date range of the journal titles indexed. This does not mean, however, that the articles without full-text are of less value. Often, it is worth the trouble to find a periodical issue on the shelf.
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It is not uncommon for an instructor to give an assignment that requires not only the use of books, but also that articles and reference material be used in one’s research. When searching for articles, it is important to know how to access them effectively, and, in the end, save time when meeting an assignment deadline.
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