Module II Part 3: Compare and Contrast

Each of the ways to retrieve information has pros and cons. And whichever one is chosen depends upon the question asked, the purpose of the question, and what the results will be used for. It also depends to a certain extent on the amount of time one has to search. As I mentioned in my previous post, the web search engine seems fast, intuitive, easy to use for the most novice of searchers. But the speed is relevant. The initial searching itself may be quicker, but the evaluation of the findings takes longer because as one of our articles stated, the internet epitomizes the concept Caveat Lector: let the reader beware. In order to establish reliability and credibility, there are several things to consider such as authorship, the publishing body, the point of view or bias, accuracy, verifiability and currency. All of this takse time.

When using an electronic index, much of this background work has already taken place before the article can even be published. The internet is full of propaganda, misinformation and disinformation. Although there are articles with poorly performed research, one can be fairly assured that the chances of getting propaganda and misinformation are much less in an electronic database with a fairly rigid filtering system.

Electronic databases use much more highly sophisticated search functions, updated often, has a staggering amount of records. DynaMed for example, goes through a rigorous point of care evidence-based evaluation process. That is a comfort and saves the searcher a great deal of time from having to do that preliminary weeding-out process. The Cochrane library, although only updated quarterly, is "the single most reliable source for evidence on the effects of health care" (LeBar, 2009). And of course, one of the best features of the electronic database is the absence of advertising.

The guideline index is more specific and very useful if you know exactly what you are searching for.

So I view the three databases as a heirarchy: the broadest search for general information can begin with a web-based search. Narrowing down a topic, getting more reliable information and getting a sense of what research is going in in a particular area are all reasons to utilize an electronic database. If needing an answer to a very specific problem, a guideline database is an excellent resource.

Each have their place. I am thankful for each one. I think the world wide web and the world of information technology is a marvel and a miracle!!!