,Chap' 34

1
????????????

• ????
• ???,Chap. 3--4
• Armstrong ,Chap.1

2
SCOUG 1990 checklist1/4

• Southern California Online User Group
  http//www.scougweb.org
• Consistency ???
• Does the database maintain consistency in
  coverage, currency and so on? If it is one of a
  family of databases, how consistent are these
  products in interface design update policy and
  such like?
• Coverage/scope ????
• Does the coverage/scope match the stated aims of
  the database is coverage comprehensive or
  selective

3
SCOUG 1990 checklist2/4

• Error rate/accuracy ???????
• How accurate is the information
• Output ????
• What kind of output formats are available
• Customer support and training ?????????
• Is initial or ongoing training provided? Is a
  help desk available during suitable hours?

4
SCOUG 1990 checklist3/4

• Accessibility/ease ?????
• How user-friendly is the interface? Does it have
  different facilities for novice and experienced
  searchers? How good are the error messages? Are
  they context-sensitive?
• Timeliness ???
• Is the database updated as frequently as it
  claims, and as the data warrant?

5
SCOUG 1990 checklist4/4

• Documentation ????
• Is online and/or printed documentation clear,
  comprehensive, current and well-organized?
• Value to cost ratio ??????
• Does the database give good value for money?

6
Cookes suggestions1/2

• Coverage and level of detail in database records
• ??????????
• ??Help
• ????????????
• ??????????
• KatzIntroduction to reference work
• Walfords Guide to Reference Material
• ARBA--American Reference Books Annual

7
Cookes suggestions2/2

• Accuracy in databases
• ????record??
• ?citation??
• Currency and maintenance of databases
• Presentation, arrangement and search facilities
  in databases
• Further issues relating databases
• ???????????

8
ExampleEvaluating PubMed

• http//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?dbP
  ubMed
• Steps
• Evaluative indicators on the opening screen
• Search PubMed to assess the available options
• View some of the papers in the database
• Compare PubMed with other versions of MEDLINE

9
Cookes checklist1/7

• What is the intended purpose, coverage and
  audience of the database? Is this information
  available from any introductory information or
  help files?
• What is the coverage of the database? What
  subject areas and materials are covered? Is the
  database comprehensive within a particular area?
  What is the retrospective coverage of the
  database? Is information available about the
  material which is included in the database?

10
Cookes checklist2/7

• Does the database contain links to further
  sources of information?
• Are different versions of the same database
  available? Are there any differences in coverage?
• How much information is provided in each record
  of the database? Is the amount of information
  useful, and sufficient for the needs of the user?

11
Cookes checklist3/7

• In the case of bibliographical databases do they
  consist of references only or are abstracts
  available? For what percentage of the records are
  abstracts provided? Have the abstracts been
  truncated by word length?
• Is it possible to identify the authors
  responsible for the information in the database?
  What are their knowledge and expertise?

12
Cookes checklist4/7

• What is the reputation of the database? Is the
  database included in any guides to reference
  works, such as Walfords or in a gateway or
  virtual library?
• Are there any typographical or spelling errors?
  Are there any errors in bibliographical
  citations? Are there any quality-control
  procedures in place?

13
Cookes checklist5/7

• Is the database current and well maintained? How
  frequently is the database updated? Is there a
  time delay between the publication of materials
  and their appearance in the database?
• What searching and browsing facilities are
  available? Are any searching and browsing
  facilities useful, effective and easy to use?
  What outputting and downloading options are
  available? Is it easy to output and download data
  from the database? Can data be exported to other
  packages? Is this easy to do?

14
Cookes checklist6/7

• In relation to bibliographical databases is it
  possible to search by author, title or subject
  keyword? Can searches be limited by publication
  type and date range? Are there any additional
  searching or browsing features? Are search and
  browse facilities effective, easy to use and
  useful
• Is it possible to order material directly from
  the database?
• Is contact information available?

15
Cookes checklist7/7

• Is the database easily accessible? Are there any
  restrictions to access? Is there a charge for
  accessing the database or downloading records?
• Is the database easy to use and are there any
  user support facilities?
• How does the database compare with other similar
  databases?
• What is your overall impression of the quality of
  the database?

16
????

• Recommended Readings Database Evaluation and
  Quality Issues
• http//www.i-a-l.co.uk/ciqm_reads.html