PubMed Sneak Preview
Last Updated: January 1999
Two major PubMed system enhancements were implemented last year on January 26 and April 6. In the constantly changing environment of the Web, this is now old news. Users want to know what are NLM's plans for future developments to PubMed and when can they expect to see these changes. Here is a list to keep you informed about NLM's plans for future PubMed developments. Release dates for implementation will be added when a schedule is more certain. Please note that this list is subject to change and will be updated as needed to reflect new developments. Your comments are suggestions are welcome and can be sent directly to the NLM Help Desk.
System Enhancement to Increase Speed of the System - "Putting PubMed on the Fast Track" - released
Effective August 3, 1998, NLM implemented a system enhancement that dramatically increases the speed of the system. This redesign of the way PubMed stored and retrieved information will improve users search time -- a search that previously took approximately 18 seconds to run in PubMed now runs under 2 seconds.
Redesign of the Advanced Search Page - Includes a Limits menu for human, age groups, etc.
As of December 1998, subsets are available for MEDLINE, PREMEDLINE, Publisher Supplied, and an AIDS search filter. For additional information see online Help under Search Fields, Subset.
The Advanced Search Page is being redesigned to allow users to select limits such as human and English only articles. Search filter options such as the AIM (Abridged Index Medicus) subset, and nursing and dental journals will be available as well.
The Modify Current Query will be replaced by a Search History option. This feature will display the total number of postings for each search statement and also allow a user to combine these numbered sets using Boolean operators.
New Options - More Display options and a New Sort feature
Additional display options will be added, such as the option to view selected citations in the brief format.
A new feature, a `sort' option, such as a display of search results by journal title in alphabetical order is also planned.
A Cubby Service - "A place to store your stuff (e.g., search strategies, user profiles)"
A `cubby' service is being developed where a user may sign-up for a `cubby' or place to store individual information and preferences. This service will allow users to add citations to a single file, and develop and store search strategies. In addition, it will provide access to a variety of features that will rely on individual preferences, such as tailored print commands.
Additional bibliographic resources under development include LinkOut and PubRef
LinkOut is a service that will provide user-customized links to outside resources, and PubRef is a service that provides full-text links to journals not covered in PubMed.