What are the limitations of a metasearch?
It will not replace advanced search features specific to an individual database. It does not use specialized subject terms created by a database for in-depth or “power” searching. For comprehensive, specialized, or in-depth research, you need to use the comprehensive database for your particular field. Examples include MathSciNet (for math) and PsycINFO (for psychology). Not all databases can be included in a metasearch–it depends (1) on the vendor who controls the database and (2) on how the database has been constructed. Examples of databases that can NOT be metasearched are ProQuest’s eLibrary, HeritageQuest Online, Texas Digital Sanborn Maps, or Thomson Gale’s InfoTrac Custom Newspapers.
