The web as a free source for scientific information: a comparison with fee‐based databases

Purpose – The aim of this study was an evaluation of the web as a source of scientific bibliographic information. Design/methodology/approach – In order to give this evaluation a quantitative dimension, a comparison with the information obtained from fee‐based bibliographic databases was performed. Based on a concrete search example in the field of plant production biotechnology, a comparative study of selected fee‐based bibliographic databases (CAB Abstracts and Biosis Preview) and a search of the web with selected search engines (Scirus and Google) was carried out. A comparison of the information retrieved through the databases and that retrieved through search engines was conducted with respect to the quantity and quality of retrieved documents, search time, the cost of information, retrieval strategies, the reliability of information and the demands on the skills of the searcher. Findings – The surprising results of this comparison clearly indicate that the web, assuming a professional use of the medium, is not only a valuable source for scientific information, but also provides the scientific community with an instrument to make knowledge available and accessible for almost anyone. Originality/value – This study shows that the web has reached a certain level of maturity in regard to scientific and qualitative content and can be considered a worthwhile source of scientific information.