RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A Primer For Users Of Medical Bibliographic Databases
JF The Journal of the American Board of Family
                Practice
JO J Am Board Fam Med
FD American Board of Family Medicine
SP 191
OP 195
DO 10.3122/jabfm.2.3.191
VO 2
IS 3
A1 Shearer, Barbara
A1 McCann, Lee
A1 Crump, William J.
YR 1989
UL http://www.jabfm.org/content/2/3/191.abstract
AB A database is electronic information. Perhaps one of the most important information sources in medicine is that which is accessed electronically through a database named MEDLINE, the core medical literature published since 1966. MEDLINE is sold by three major vendors (BRS, Dialog, and the National Library of Medicine) to information experts and to medical experts. Information experts (librarians) and medical experts (physicians) can access MEDLINE by two different methods. This article discusses both and emphasizes use by the medical practitioner. An annotated guide to database vendors is provided, and guidelines are offered that will assist the physician in selecting equipment and assessing services.