BIOETHICSLINE
About BIOETHICSLINE
BIOETHICSLINE is a computerized database produced by the Bioethics Information
Retrieval Project at the Kennedy Institute of Ethics (Georgetown University) and the
National Library of Medicine. (NLM). BIOETHICSLINE includes English-language materials
on bioethics from medicine, nursing, biology, philosophy, religion, law, behavioral
sciences, and popular literature. Item in BIOETHICSLINE include newspaper and journal
articles, monographs, court desicions, bills, laws, and audiovisuals. Approximately
100 primary sources and 40 indexes are regularly searched for citations to add to
BIOETHICSLINE. The BIOETHICSLINE database covers the time period 1973 to the present
and is updated monthly on the Library's network.
Searching BIOETHICSLINE
There are several interfaces available for searching BIOETHICSLINE; Telnet
(text only, no graphics), Windows and World Wide Web (WWW). This guide provides
an overview of the BIOETHICSLINE database. Commands may differ between interfaces. Use
this guide with the
Windows,
WWW, or
Telnet Quick Guide for
instructions specific to the method you are using.
The most commonly used search commands in BIOETHICSLINE are subject,
textword, keywords, and
author.
BIOETHICSLINE uses its own controlled vocabulary, a specific list of terms, to arrange
items by topic. About 80% of those are Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) which are also
used in other NLM databases. The remaining terms are unique to BIOETHICSLINE and must
be searched differently than the MeSH subjects. OVID software will usually offer you a
choice of several MeSH terms related to your topic. Always try to use the most specific
MeSH term you can find. SPECIAL NOTE: In the World Wide Web (WWW) interface for
searching OVID databases, make sure the Map Term to Subject Heading box has a check mark
in it before beginning your search. Click in the bos with the mouse cursor if no check
mark is present.
Mapping Screen
When searching by subject, BIOETHICSLINE uses a process called mapping to match the word
or phrase you type to existing MeSH terms. In some cases there is a single exact match.
In other cases, you may be presented with several choices which partially march your
term. If no MeSH match can be found, suggested related terms appearing in articles
containing your phrase in the title or abstract (short summary of aricle contens) may
be offered. In a few cases, no match of any kind is possible. Sometimes there are not
yet any items in BIOETHICSLINE under an existing MeSH term. If either of the last two
circumstances occur, and the term is spelled correctly, try a Keywords search or try
searching for related terms.
MeSH terms are arranged in a hierarchy from general to more specific concepts. In some
cases, you will see a listing of terms with the most general terms above and to the left,
and the most specific terms below and to the right. (To see this Tree Display in the
WWW interface, click on the underlined search term.) Use the most specific term
available that matches your concept whenever possible. If more than one term is
appropriate, use the Explode command to include a MeSH term and all of the narrower
related terms listed below and to the right of the selected term. Exploding a term
means that at least one of the terms from that group will be included in each article
retrieved. Keep in mind that a Keywords search may retrieve additional items not found
by using MeSH terms.
Restricting to Focus
Choose all documents discussing that subject or restrict to focus (where
the subject is on of the primary topics).
Searching by Textword
This allows you to search for a word or phrase in titles of articles and in abstracts
(short summaries of the article contents).
Searching by Keyword
This is similar to using MeSH terms, but these terms identify the approximately 20% of
BIOETHICSLINE items not adequately described by MeSH terms. Use the Search or Search
Fields command to select Keywords, then enter your term. Select your term from the list
presented. An asterisk * appearing at the end of term means that term is
Restricted to Focus (the main point of the article). Keep in mind that a
Keywords search may retrieve additional items not found by using MeSH terms.
Author Searching
This allows you to search for an author by last name, full first name, and middle
initial(s). If you do not know the first name or initial, you can search on the last
name alone.
Other Types of Searching
Each item in the BIOETHICSLINE database is divided into sections called fields. Most of
these fields are searchable by using the appropriate menu selection or command code.
Use the Search or Search Fields command to choose the field(s) to search.
Combining Sets
Once at least two sets have been created, use the Combine command to decrease or
increase your retrieval. Select the sets to be combined. Select AND to narrow
your search (all search terms must be included in each article); use OR to
expand your search (at least on of the search terms will appear in each article).
Limiting a Search
This allows you to restrict a set to in various ways. Broad subject categories such
as Biomedical and Behavioral Research are available. A specific approach to a
topic may also be selected. Two examples of approaches are Legal Approach and
Philosophical Approach. Publication Type limits such as Court Decision
and Practice Guideline are also possible.
Changing Databases
This allows your to change to another database such as MEDLINE or CINAHL (Cummulative
Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature).
If you repeat the same search and get no results, be aware that not all databases use
the same subject headings. Try related terms.
Ending Your Search Session
At the main search screen, please Exit or Logoff the system.
Need More Help?
Training
To register for classes or for more information:
Reference Department
(317) 274-7185 Voice
(317) 274-4056 FAX
e-mail to:medlref@iupui.edu
Help Available
In addition to the on-screen help in the OVID databases, librarians are available in the Reference Department to assist you Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm. Holiday hours may vary. Phone: (317) 274-7185
Searching BIOETHICSLINE / compiled by: Sue London /
slondon@iupui.edu /
Ruth Lilly Medical Library / Indiana University School of
Medicine
URL: http://www.medlib.iupui.edu/ref/bioe.html