Searching (almost) everything
The Library acquired a new federated search service last spring, and since then we've been testing and refining it. What exactly is federated search? Simply put, federated search allows you to search across multiple databases using one interface. Some of you may have used our old federated search service, called Encompass. Our new service, still called Discovery Search, uses WebFeat Express technology to search approximately 90 of our bibliographic databases.So how might you use the service?
- Use it to identify what databases are generally suggested for your discipline. If you check the box for for your discipline, databases are automatically selected. You can then either search across those selected databases OR you can click on the link to an individual database to get to the native interface for that database.
- Use it to search across all (or almost all) databases to identify those you might not normally use but which contain relevant research. Since the results link directly into the databases' native interfaces, if you want to go into that database for a more comprehensive search (using controlled vocabulary, etc.), you can.
- Export records directly into RefWorks. Just mark the records, select 'Save', and select 'Direct Export to RefWorks'. The citation, with Article Linker link, will be moved into your RefWorks account. Or email or print out the results instead. (NOTE: the abstract is not exported to RefWorks, just the 'bare bones' citation.)
As always, if you have any questions about using this or any other library resources, just ask.
Labels: federated searching
posted by Linda @ 2:03 PM
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