Ovid basics: main search page
2004 version 2
24 May 2004
Once into MEDLINE Plus you will see a screen like Figure 3
Figure 3: Main search page
Look at the areas of the screen:
1. At the top, the segment of the database you are using will be shown. In this case we are searching MEDLINE from 1966 to present.
2. Next, a row of icons labelled author, title etc. These can help you search the database but it is not essential to use them.
3. The next area is the Search History box. It's empty at the moment, but as you perform a series of searches this will show the results of each command you ask the system to perform.
4. Underneath the Search History box there is an option 'Run Saved Search'. As you perform searches other options as appropriate will appear, all related to your search history.
5. The white box underneath this is the area where you can enter search commands. Note two things; that it asks for you to enter a keyword or phrase; and at the other end of the box, there is a box ticked that says 'Map Term to Subject Heading'.
6. The Limit to: area allows you to restrict the results of your search to the options shown. These are the most common limits but you will see that there is also an icon in the row of icons that says 'limit', which gives more options.
7. Near the bottom the link Ask the MEDLINE helpdesk allows to you to send us an email asking for assistance.
Any questions? Please contact the MEDLINE Plus help desk:
Tel: 020 7383 6224 or 6737
email: info.medline@bma.org.uk
web: http://www.bma.org.uk/medline