The web as a free source for scientific information: a comparison with fee‐based databases
| Published date | 01 August 2005 |
| Date | 01 August 2005 |
| Pages | 400-411 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/14684520510617848 |
| Author | Luisa M. Doldi,Erwin Bratengeyer |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
The web as a free source for
scientific information: a comparison
with fee-based databases
Luisa M. Doldi
Vienna, Austria, and
Erwin Bratengeyer
Danube University, Krems, Austria
Abstract
Purpose – The aim of this study was an evaluation of the web as a source of scientific bibliographic
information.
Design/methodology/approach – In order to give this evaluation a quantitative dimension, a
comparison with the information obtained from fee-based bibliographic databases was performed.
Based on a concrete search example in the field of plant production biotechnology, a comparative
study of selected fee-based bibliographic databases (CAB Abstracts and Biosis Preview) and a search
of the web with selected search engines (Scirus and Google) was carried out. A comparison of the
information retrieved through the databases and that retrieved through search engines was conducted
with respect to the quantity and quality of retrieved documents, search time, the cost of information,
retrieval strategies, the reliability of information and the demands on the skills of the searcher.
Findings – The surprising results of this comparison clearly indicate that the web, assuming a
professional use of the medium, is not only a valuable source for scientific information, but also
provides the scientific community with an instrument to make knowledge available and accessible for
almost anyone.
Originality/value – This study shows that the web has reached a certain level of maturity in regard
to scientific and qualitative content and can be considered a worthwhile source of scientific
information.
Keywords Information retrieval, Worldwideweb, Information searches, Databases,Search engines
Paper type Research paper
Introduction: the role of the web for the dissemination of scientific
information
Dissemination of knowledge plays a pivotal role in the scientific community. Only the
information that has been made available to the scientific community, has been
reviewed by colleagues, and has been accepted can give rise to further research and
further knowledge. Therefore, scientific progress greatly depends on communication
among scientists (Stichweh, 1990).
This communication can occur at different levels (Eisend, 2002):
.in a direct way, through personal communication among scientists (for example,
conferences, meetings, personal contacts); and
.in an indirect way, through access to scientific literature and publications.
The Emerald Research Register for this journal is available at The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregister www.emeraldinsight.com/1468-4527.htm
OIR
29,4
400
Refereed article received
28 April 2005
Accepted 20 May 2005
Online Information Review
Vol. 29 No. 4, 2005
pp. 400-411
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
1468-4527
DOI 10.1108/14684520510617848
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