This FAQ provides information about the MUSM publications database.

Who can view the database?

Access to the MUSM Publications database is not limited - anyone with access to the Internet can view the database.  Anyone viewing the database is also permitted to download some or all of the citations in it. Only Medical Library staff can make changes or additions, however.

What is included in the database?

Scientific books, journal articles, published abstracts, government documents, editorials, and letters by faculty members, students, residents, and staff from the period of January 1997 to present* are currently included. Works have been included if they are nationally available in English. The many presentations, professional and community news articles, and unpublished works prepared by School of Medicine faculty, staff and students are not within the scope of this bibliography. This list is updated regularly by the Mercer Medical Library.
*There may be a brief delay between publication date of an item and its entry into the database.

How do I view a list of publications by department?

When you first view the MUSM Publications database in RefWorks, all citations are listed (there are more than 900 as of March 2005, and this list is constantly growing). To view a specific department, such as the Basic Sciences Department, click the "View" menu, then click "Folder," then select the department you want to view. The list will be filtered so that only that department's publications show. To view all references again, simply click "View," then "All References."

How do I search by author name, descriptor, or journal title?

To search by any of these criteria, click the "Search" menu, and then select the criteria you wish to use. Please note:

1) Authors' names are generally cited as they appear in the published work. Therefore, the number of initials or format of the name used by an author may vary among the references; and
2) "Descriptors" include subject headings as well as departmental affiliation. For example, if you wanted a list of all the publications from Department X, you could choose Search, Lookup by Descriptor, then choose the letter D. This will bring up a list of all MUSM Departments. Simply click the appropriate department name to see a list of all their publications. Or View Folder as discussed above. Either method will provide a list of publications by department.

You may also click "Advanced" in the "Search" menu to search by multiple criteria, or to search within the publications of a single department only.

How do I print a copy of these citations?

You can print all citations in the list, only the ones on the page you are viewing, or select specific ones by clicking the check box to the left of the citations you want. At the top of the list in the gray area on the left, make sure that the correct selection is made next to "Use:" ("Selected," "Page," or "All in list"). Click the "Print" button, and on the next screen, choose an output style (e.g., APA, NLM, or other), then click "Print" to send your citations to the printer.

How do I download a copy of these citations?

You can download all citations in the list, only the ones on the page you are viewing, or select specific ones by clicking the check box to the left of the citations you want. At the top of the list in the gray area on the left, make sure that the correct selection is made next to "Use:" ("Selected," "Page," or "All in list"). Click the "Export" button, and on the next screen, choose an output style (e.g., APA, NLM, or other), then click the "Export" button to export the citations you have chosen. Note that you can export to your own RefWorks account, or in a variety of formats, such as bibliographic software format (e.g., EndNote) or tab delimited text format (useful if you use Excel). There is a link "Explanation of Export Formats" on the left side of the screen should you need additional information.

How can I email citations to myself or someone else?

You can email all citations in the list, only the ones on the page you are viewing, or select specific ones by clicking the check box to the left of the citations you want. At the top of the list in the gray area on the left, make sure that the correct selection is made next to "Use:" ("Selected," "Page," or "All in list"). Click the "Create Bibliography" button, and on the next screen, choose an output style (e.g., APA, NLM, or other) and a "File Type to Create" (HTML, text, RTF, Microsoft Word, etc.). Click "Create Bibliography" to create the bibliography, and on the next screen, you can view the bibliography as well as send it to any email address you specify.

One of my citations is incorrect! How do I get it corrected?

If you notice that one of your citations is incorrect, please contact the Medical Library at (478) 301-4056 or via email at reference.ill@gain.mercer.edu. Please provide the entire incorrect citation as well as the corrections needed.

One of my publications is missing! How do I get an item added to the database?

If you notice that one of your publications is not in the database, please email the *complete* citation to reference.ill@gain.mercer.edu. Please be sure to include your name, departmental affiliation (at the time the item was published), and contact information (phone, email) so that we can reach you if we have questions.

How can I get a reprint of an article that is in the publications database?

If you would like a reprint of an article that is in the publications database, contact the Medical Library at (478) 301-4056 or via email at reference.ill@gain.mercer.edu. Please provide the complete citation for the item(s) you want.

Can I edit the database myself?

Only Medical Library staff can make changes to the MUSM Publications database.

Where can I learn more about the tool used to create this database?

If you would like to learn more about RefWorks and how you can use it to create bibliographies, please contact the Medical Library at (478) 301-4056 or via email at reference.ill@gain.mercer.edu. RefWorks may be used by MUSM faculty, staff and students only.