Library instruction for students in speech-language pathology and audiology: Which databases should be covered?

Abstract

Purpose: 1) To determine which databases are commonly recommended for students in speech-language pathology (SLP) and audiology programs 2) To compare journal indexing in those databases to decide which ones should be prioritized when teaching “one-shot” sessions.

Methodology: Libguides of top-ranked audiology and SLP programs were examined to develop a list of recommended databases. Journal Citation Reports, SCImago Journal Rankings, and Google Scholar Top Publications were used to create a list of core journals in the subject area. Each of the identified databases was checked for indexing of core journals; the resulting spreadsheet was analyzed to determine which database or combination of databases offered the most complete coverage of core journals.

Results: Six recommended databases and 34 core journals were identified. One journal was not indexed in any of the databases; no single database indexed all the remaining 33 titles. Web of Science included the most titles (28) but only if all sections (Science Citation Index, Science Citation Index Expanded and Social Sciences Citation Index) are available; PubMed/Medline was second with 26 titles. Indexing for 32 of 33 titles is available in two different database combinations, 1) PubMed/Medline and PsycINFO or 2) Web of Science (all sections) and Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts.

Conclusion: A multi-session library instruction class might be able to cover the use of most or all of the six identified databases but many librarians are limited to one session with students and need to limit the number of new resources taught. This study found two database groupings which offer indexing for 32 of 33 core journals. Librarians can use information from this study together with institution-specific factors to decide which databases to prioritize in instruction sessions for SLP and audiology students.