(These comments pertain to UTHCT's Ovid system and PubMed.  Every point may not apply to systems at other sites.)

Advantages:
*  Allows easy limitation to Local Holdings or Full Text.
*  Other limits (i.e. language, human, etc.) are easily accessible on main search page.
* Provides possible MeSH (National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings) terms when searched terms are not MeSH terms.
*  Local Messages indicate if the Library has the journal that an article is located in.
*  Local Messages include hypertext links to the Library's electronic journal list.
*  Search strategies may be easily transferred to Ovid CINAHL.
Disadvantages:
*  Database updates are behind PubMed.
*  Available only to authorized UTHCT users.

Advantages:
*  Rapid database updates.
*  Related Articles feature.
*  LinkOut provides linking to available full-text of articles and to print holdings information (UTHCT users only).
*  Links to free full-text when available.
*  Links to genetics and biomolecular databases.
*  Includes MeSH Database function for identifying NLM Medical Subject Headings.
*  Search can be limited to subsets such as Core Clinical Journals, Nursing Journals, Cancer Journals, AIDS, and others.
*  Available to the general public via any ISP (internet service provider).  (Does not include LinkOut links to subscribed journals.)
Disadvantages:
*  Proprietary links to journals are confusing if no subscription is held.
*  Full-text limitation available but not straightforward.
*  No on-screen instructions for Boolean search syntax.

Watson W. Wise Medical Research Library
The University of Texas Health Center at Tyler
11937 US Highway 271
Tyler, TX 75708-3154
Phone: (903)877-2865
Fax: (903)877-2221