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Electronic Bibliography Database Development
An electronic bibliography database manager (BDM) is a
powerful tool in an author's armamentarium.
Would you try to write a paper in this day and age without a word processor?
Probably not.
For professional writing, a BDM is just as important.
We can help you create your library and get started using this
essential resource in your scientific and scholarly writing.
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Do you know your journal abbreviations?
In APA format, journal names are spelled out, while AMA requires that NLM abbreviations be used. Do you know the correct abbreviations for:
A BDM changes the titles automatically, depending on the style selected--one less thing for you to worry about!
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BDMs...in a nutshell.
A BDM is a specialized database program with three major functions:
1. It organizes and manages reference citations--in other words, it is a replacement for your "annotated bibliography cards";
2. It allows you to search remote libraries (such as the National Library of Medicine) and import references directly into the database;
3. In conjunction with your word processor, it inserts citations and formats the reference list as you write a paper. As references are added or deleted, the citations in the text and reference list are automatically updated. Changes in reference style--AMA vs. APA for example--can be made with a touch of a button.
Sounds great...but there must be catch...
Not a catch, exactly, but we have discovered that there are two major barriers that make authors shy away from using a BDM. One, it is a software program that requires some time to learn to use efficiently. Two, creating a library--entering references into the BDM--also takes time. Maine Desk can help with both--we can create your electronic library and then teach you to use it in your writing.
Electronic Library Development
The process is simple. An author gives us an existing paper library--for example, a reference list from a dissertation--and we create an electronic library in a BDM. To do this, we search references in databases such as MEDLINE and CINAHL and import them into the library. This process verifies and checks each reference as it is entered into the library. Doing it this way also brings in other information, such as the abstract, NLM unique ID, URL for the reference to MEDLINE and more. This makes the library a powerful searching tool in its own right as well as very a useful adjunct to your word processor. We then do a few "behind-the-scenes" maintenance tasks and return your library to you, on CD, ready for your next writing project.
In our experience, the verification process is very important. We have had reference lists with error rates of 50%--authors' names misspelled, incorrect dates, page numbers and more. These are not minor errors--they prevent readers from finding the references you cite in your paper. Manuscripts do get rejected because references are not accurate.
Bottom line--what will this cost?
We charge $1 per reference entered into the library.
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Journal abbreviations:
Nurs Res
N Engl J Med
Comput Inform Nurs
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More About BDMs:
There are three major BDM products on the market: EndNote, Reference Manager, and Procite. At Maine Desk, we have used all three, but we will admit a preference for EndNote.
We do not sell these products. You can download 30 day trial versions of all three directly from the publisher. You can also purchase these products from the publisher. If you are a student or faculty member, you may qualify for a substantial academic discount. Ask at your bookstore or contact the publisher for more information.
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