However, manual searches have r evealed higher Precision and the time devoted to manual search strategies is shorter. Since the two modes have complementary features, co-existence of both is suggested. A weighty port ion of literature searches performed by several institutions in this country are on medicine. The aim of the present study is to determine the more effective medical search mode in an objective ma nner, since there is a strong subjective tendency towards computerized literature searches in Turkey. CD-ROM mode, in particular, attract the attention of most of the librarians an d users.
Manual searches seem to be entirely abandoned.
The more effective search mode is determined with respect to certain quality criteria such as relevance, coverage and novelty. The faster mode in terms of response time is revea led, concerning the rate of the speed. Following the search interviews, an effort was spent to arrange search strategies equally. As a principle MeSH headings were selected for both modes. However, in preparing CD-ROM search strategies natural langu age terms were used, where needed, in combination with MeSH headings.