| Abstract: | The commercially available methods for keeping mass spectrometrists aware of a vast literature are assessed. CA Selects: Mass Speetrometry was found convenient for browsing of current literature but disappointing in its coverage. The lack of an index makes it impracticable for retrospective searching. On the other hand, the Mass Speetrometry Bulletin contains over three times more references, is sectionalized for casual browsing, and its individual issue and annual indices make it very suitable for current and retrospective searching of specific topics. Chemical Abstracts itself contains many more mass spectrometric references than its CA Selects: Mass Speetrometry derivative but that information is difficult to extract comprehensively using the volume indices provided. Both Mass Speetrometry Bulletin and Chemical Abstracts can be accessed by on-line systems. Use of computer searches proved to be excellent for current awareness and retrospective searching of selected topics within mass spectrometry. The mass spectrometrist can readily generate a tailor-made set of terms to extract just the information of personal interest from Mass Speetrometry Bulletin and/or Chemical Abstracts. A detailed search requires use of both databases. On-line searching provided faster and more comprehensive extraction of information than manual searching. On-line systems would, however, be too expensive for browsing in general mass Speetrometry. Some problems and improvements in the various services are described and the role of some publications reviewing mass Speetrometry is briefly discussed. |
