In this case, the researchers assume that an improved literature search, one which includes animal alternatives, will only waste resources, without benefiting animal welfare. According to AWIC, this written narrative description means that the investigator has performed a literature search for animal alternatives. In addition to identifying current research that might help investigators avoid unintended duplication of animal experiments and identify alternatives to animal testing, the search might also reveal other innovative applications for an investigator s research. One investigator known to this author claims that the search helps him avoid tunnel vision, and decreases the risk that peers or other researchers will criticize his work. For example, Biological Abstracts best describes research related to ecology, natural resources, zoology, and biology.
Many specialized databases exist.
Relative to searching multiple databases, the information specialist should serve as the researchers advocate for Great Eastern to provide ready and convenient access to the broad range of resources needed. While this does not directly attribute the decrease in animal use to conducting expanded database searches, the research community first applied the information requirements of the AWA in 1985. Researchers can draw their own conclusions. She should repeatedly stress the benefits of conducting these searches, and should work to educate investigators in selecting the most appropriate resources and developing effective search strategies. Rousch, W. Hunting for Animal Alternatives.