The EconLit database has established itself as the definitive cornerstone for published economic literature. This resource curated by the American Economic Association (AEA), has evolved significantly from its original role as a basic bibliography of economic works. With the rise of digital technology in the 1990s, EconLit became an electronic database, extending its reach and utility with the growing need for readily available economic information. With extensive findings dating back to the late 1980s, this database offers vast archive of Economic literature, providing a comprehensive historical perspective. Updated on a weekly basis, this expertly managed repository encompasses literature from prominent organizations across more than 74 countries and over 130 years.[1]
This database is known to include entries from over 1,000 reputed journals, with an optional full-text package of more than 500 journals, encompassing diverse and comprehensive collection of economic literature. Selected by the AEA based on their relevance and significance to the economic domain, these journals provide high quality data to index in the database.[1]
EconLit’s stringent indexing protocols further ensure proper and precise categorization of each record in the database with its relevant subject descriptors, substantiating the core reliability of the database. This facilitates users in efficiently finding the information they require.[1]
The EconLIt database employs a standard classification system, called the Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) system to classify and organize literature in the field of economics. This system facilitates the categorization of various types of scholarly works, including articles, dissertations, books, book reviews, and working papers. Each JEL code consists of a single alphabet followed by a two-digit numerical character. For example, A00 represents “General Economics and Teaching,” A12 indicates “Relation of Economics to Other Disciplines,” and this pattern continues through to Z, where Z12 denotes “Cultural Economics: Religion,” Z13 refers to “Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Social and Economic Stratification,” and Z19 signifies “Cultural Economics: Other.” This system enhances appropriate categorization and retrieval of economic literature within the EconLit database, ensuring that users can effectively navigate the database and locate relevant resources.[2]
EconLit also uses “official” subject headings, meticulously crafted by the AEA. Paired with JEL Classification codes, these subject headings help the users to identify the relevant records accurately. With its straight, smart, and user-friendly interface, EconLit allows users to perform basic and advanced keyword searches and browse any subject of choice, to filter appropriate literature results by author list, title, or publication date. These features, complemented by Boolean searches, enable users to combine multiple search terms to narrow down their results effectively. In addition to these search functionalities, EconLit provides abstracts for most entries, offering users a snapshot of the content before diving into the full text. This feature is particularly useful for researchers conducting preliminary reviews of literature, saving time and ensuring that they can quickly identify relevant studies.[1-3]
In academia, EconLit is an indispensable tool for conducting economic literature reviews. It helps researchers in identifying gaps in existing research and formulating new research questions. Furthermore, policymakers and practitioners rely on EconLit to access empirical research and theoretical evaluations that guide policy decisions and strategic decision-making. HTA bodies such as the UK NICE often recommend that the industry submissions for cost-effectiveness evidence through comprehensive health technology assessments include EconLit as a source for literature.[4]
The interdisciplinary nature of EconLit also promotes collaboration across various fields of science. Economics frequently overlaps with other areas such as healthcare, sociology, political science, and environmental research, facilitating cross-disciplinary investigations and allowing researchers to draw connections between economics and other social sciences.[1,3]
In summary, the EconLit database is a vital resource for researchers and policymakers in the field of health economics. It provides a comprehensive database of literature that aids in critical analyses and supports evidence based decision-making. With its vast array of peer-reviewed articles, books, and dissertations, it not only enables a deep dive into the principles of health economics but also encourages inter-disciplinary insights into healthcare policy and practice. By providing access to a rich repository of empirical research and theoretical models, EconLit continues to play a critical role in driving advancements in understanding the economic elements influencing health outcomes and the healthcare delivery worldwide.
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References:
- American Economic Association. About EconLit. Available from https://www.aeaweb.org/econlit/.
- American Economic Association. JEL Classification Codes. Available from https://www.aeaweb.org/econlit/jelCodes.php.
- EconLit Database Guide 2006, by Sharon Stillwagon, CSA Training & Information Specialist. Available from https://www.bus.umich.edu/kresgelibrary/downloads/instruction/econlit_guide.pdf.
- NICE. Incorporating economic evaluation. In: Developing NICE guidelines: the manual. NICE process and methods [PMG20]. Last updated 29 May 2024 Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/process/pmg20/chapter/incorporating-economic-evaluation