Searching Online Library Databases Flashcards

A series of vocabulary flashcards based on the NM4086 Week 1 Tutorial on searching library databases for Nursing and Midwifery students.

Library Database

An online collection of reliable academic sources, such as journal articles, research studies, clinical guidelines, and evidence-based information, that support learning, teaching, and practice in nursing and midwifery.

CINAHL

The core database for nursing and midwifery.

Cochrane

A collection of databases that provides high-quality, independent evidence to inform healthcare decision-making, including Cochrane Reviews, which are considered the gold standard in systematic reviews.

Scopus

An abstract and citation database.

Synonyms

Words that have the same or very similar meanings as other words, used as alternative search terms.

Truncation

A search technique used to find multiple word endings by truncating the stem of the word at the point where the endings change, often using the symbol ""; for example, "paramedic" finds paramedic or paramedics.

Wildcard

A character used within a word (such as "?") to allow for variant spellings; for example, "organi?ation" finds organisation and organization.

Phrase Search

A method to find an exact sequence of words by enclosing them in double quotation marks, such as "climate change".

Boolean Logic

A method used in databases to connect search terms using AND, OR, and NOT to focus a search and find high-quality evidence faster.

AND

A Boolean operator that narrows a search by returning only results containing all the specified terms.

OR

A Boolean operator that broadens a search by returning results containing any of the terms.

NOT

A Boolean operator that excludes specific terms from results, narrowing the search by blocking unwanted results.

LibKey Nomad

A browser extension that automatically provides instant links to full text content for articles subscribed to by the University library or open access alternatives.

EndNote

A software account used to save, manage, and organises search outputs and relevant research studies.