Database FAQ

1. What is a database?
2. Who can use a database?
3. Which database should I use?
4. Where can I use a database?
5. Are there instructions for using Dana Library databases?
6. Are there classes in how to use these databases?
7. What is the advantage of connecting to PubMed from the Dana web page?
8. Why can't I get into Clinical Pharmacology?

What is a database?

A selected collection of information, organized into records. Each record may contain information, or can point to another resource that contains the information, like a journal article or a web page. For example, in the UpToDate database, each record contains information on a specific medical topic; in the PubMed database each record contains a citation and an abstract that directs you to a specific health sciences journal article; the Google database contains records that point you to specific web pages on the open web.




Who can use a database?

UVM and FAHC employees and students can use our databases, as can anyone who comes to the Dana Library. The Library purchases access to databases for UVM and FAHC faculty, staff and students. Our licenses also allow anyone who comes to the library to use these databases.




Which database should I use?

We recommend these life sciences and health care databases at Dana. The Bailey/Howe Library provides access to databases on other topics, from Anthropology to Zoology.




Where can I use a database?

All of our databases are available in the library and throughout the UVM and FAHC campuses. Most of our databases are available from off campus. See Connect From Off Campus for information on how to access these databases from outside UVM and FAHC.




Are there instructions for using Dana Library databases?

Dana librarians have written the following instructions for using some of the databases available through the Library.
PubMed
Glossary of Terms for Searching Medline
CINAHL
Evaluating Medical Web Sites



Are there classes in how to use these databases?

Our classes are open to all UVM and FAHC faculty, staff and students, and are held in our computer classroom in the UVM Given Building. Topics change each semester but often include Navigating the Virtual Library, OvidMedline, PubMed, CINAHL, EJournal Troubleshooting, Endnote, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and other topics on request.




What is the advantage of connecting to PubMed from the Dana web page?

Accessing PubMed through any Dana Medical Library web page indicates to the PubMed server that you want to view UVM journal holdings information. Going through a Dana Library link allows you to see the icon for UVM EJournals, which shows that you have access to the electronic full text of that article. You may also see a link for UVM Journals, showing that a journal is available in print in the Dana Library. In order to view these icons, you must display your pubmed results in the Abstract or Citation format.




Why can't I get into Clinical Pharmacology?

The Dana Medical Library license for the Clinical Pharmacology database covers UVM faculty, staff, and students only. Therefore this database is not available through the FAHC network. If you are a UVM faculty member, staff member, or student and you want to use Clinical Pharmacology at FAHC, contact the Dana Medical Library reference desk in person, via email, or by phone (656-2201) to obtain a "promotional code." Anyone who wants to use Clinical Pharmacology on the UVM network does not need a promotional code.