| DialogWeb Help: About Guided Search | |
Guided Search is designed for novice to intermediate searchers who want easy access to Dialog's authoritative business, legal, scientific, and technical information. It is a forms-based search tool that provides access to more than 350 databases with information from over 50,000 journals, 60 newspapers, and 4,000 full-text business and trade publications. Guided Search is the default search option for DialogWeb (unless you change it on the Settings page).
There are two search options available in Guided Search:Targeted Search and Dynamic Search. Both options provide form-based access to Dialog's databases. Both are available at various points in the search category selection process. Targeted Searches are available for the most frequently used search topics and Dynamic Searches are available for all search categories. Targeted Search and Dynamic Search vary as follows:
Features |
Targeted Search |
Dynamic Serach |
| Search Forms | Input boxes and search options | Input boxes, field list, and browse feature |
| Search Strategy | Edit information in search form only | Unlimited editing to refine or broaden search |
| Databases | Predefined database list can be edited in some forms | Recommended database list can be edited |
Most Targeted Search forms have several input fields and search options that you can use to define your search. The Dynamic Search form contains an input box for keywords or phrases that describe your topic (for example, a company or product name) and a drop-down list that lets you select the index for your search. Your Targeted Search strategy can be edited only by changing the information on the Targeted Search form. Dynamic Search strategies can be edited to limit or extend the power of the search. Targeted Searches are run against a predefined set of databases that can be edited in some search forms. Dynamic Searches provide a list of recommended databases for your search and you can remove databases from that list. Dynamic Searches also let you browse a list of terms that are similar to the keyword or phrase that you enter.
Guided Search also provides access to