Mediated searching of databases, offered through commercial vendors and performed by a librarian for a fee, is available at the Sherrod Library.
Click on a link below to go directly to the named section in this guide.
Through subscriptions to Dialog Information Services, Online Computer Library Center, and STN International, the Library can offer several hundred databases which cover almost every subject. Some databases are merely computerized versions of standard indexes like Sociological Abstracts or Environment Index. Other databases, like Management Contents or Company Intelligence are available only online; they have no paper versions.
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Generally, three kinds of databases can be searched online:
Many databases now contain full text.
If downloading your search is preferred, please specify. A $1.00 charge for the disk will be added to the total search cost. Faculty searches may also be sent to e-mail addresses.
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Online charges usually are based on per-hour rates. The costs range from $15 to $120 or more per hour, depending on which databases are used. Printing the full text or abstracts will make a search more costly. A typical online search averages 10 to 15 minutes. Greater accuracy and lower cost is possible if the user makes a preliminary manual or electronic search in one or more appropriate indexes or databases. With departmental approval, faculty may charge the cost of the search to their departmental supply accounts. Thesis students may receive one search worth up to $20.00.
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Faculty and students seeking additional information about mediated searches should contact Mark Ellis at 423-439-4715 or call the Sherrod Library Reference Desk at 423-439-4307. Request forms are also available at the Sherrod Library Reference Desk.
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