ERIC Number: EJ1097062
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-May
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1049-7315
EISSN: N/A
Social Work Literature Searching: Current Issues with Databases and Online Search Engines
McGinn, Tony; Taylor, Brian; McColgan, Mary; McQuilkan, Janice
Research on Social Work Practice, v26 n3 p266-277 May 2016
Objectives: To compare the performance of a range of search facilities; and to illustrate the execution of a comprehensive literature search for qualitative evidence in social work. Context: Developments in literature search methods and comparisons of search facilities help facilitate access to the best available evidence for social workers. Method: The performance of 14 databases and web search engines was appraised, by applying a search formula for articles relating to perpetrators of intimate partner violence and the process of change. Results: Seventy-two out of seventy-eight relevant articles were found on just six of the search facilities used. Social Services Abstracts performed the best. Web search engines did not contribute any unique hits. Conclusion: The need to use a range of databases was confirmed. Databases have performed inconsistently across case studies to date. New approaches to pilot-testing facilities and search terms proved useful. Accessing qualitative evidence to inform practice must become more straightforward.
Descriptors: Social Work, Online Searching, Search Engines, Databases, Qualitative Research, Evidence, Search Strategies, Violence, Intimacy, Electronic Libraries, Usability, Journal Articles, Metadata, Computer Software Evaluation, Literature Reviews, Case Studies
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A