Introduction

Normally, one would think that a grand, union collection of many types of databases covering a wide range of fields would be an ideal information tool. The situation, unfortunately, is not that simple for a variety of reasons.

Advantages to using database utilities such as Dialog

• One-source access to multiple, highly varied information sources.
• One standard interface, though fields and other features of databases can vary.
• One set of search commands and language for searching, displaying, downloading, and ordering records.
• Generally consistent structure for information in diverse databases from multiple database producers.
• Relatively consistent help and documentation.
• Training is simpler for just one database utility.
• One bill (Major users can get discounted contracts).

Disadvantages

• Relatively high cost for searching and retrieving records, particularly in full-text formats. This tends to limit users of Dialog to corporate and large academic or research libraries that can write off the costs or where information may be critical.
• Wealth of resources means identifying appropriate databases for the query can be much more difficult.
• Searching must be coducted in a more sophisticated manner because of the wealth of resources makes it more difficult to retrieve a targeted set of results.