How PubMed Works: ATM

This series of four classes will cover a breadth of topics to introduce and enhance your abilities in using PubMed. Whether you’re a new user or are looking for a refresher, each class will provide you with behind-the-scenes information to assist you in successfully using PubMed.

Course URL: https://nnlm.gov/training/class-catalog/how-pubmed-works

Learning Objectives: 

Each session has its own learning outcomes.

How PubMed Works: Introduction

• Understand what PubMed is and what’s in it.
• Find the original research that is the basis for a news article.
• Find articles by a specific author.
• Search for articles on a specific subject.
• Narrow search results to a more specific subset
• Explore Advanced Search Builder and Search History.

How PubMed Works: Selection

• Describe some issues and concerns surrounding the current publishing landscape.
• Articulate NLM responsibilities and practices in collecting and providing access to the biomedical literature.
• Explain what is referenced in the PubMed database.
• Describe the selection criteria for the different components of the PubMed database.
• Find additional resources for authors and librarians on assessing publication quality.

How PubMed Works: MeSH (Medical Subject Headings)

• Explore the MeSH Database
• Describe a Controlled Vocabulary
• Explore the four types of MeSH Terms
• Locate and explain entry terms, date introduced, previous indexing, automatic explosion

How PubMed Works: ATM (Automatic Term Mapping)

• Describe the contents of the 3 Translation Tables.
• Explain the order of ATM
• Analyze Search Details to verify term mapping.
• Locate PubMed’s list of indexed phrases
• Describe 3 Ways to bypass ATM

Agenda: 

Each class is 90 minutes long.

Slides

Exercises

Time for questions

Wrap-up

MLA CE Credit: 1.5 for each course