What is the Database Finder?
The Library's Database Finder includes links for all of the Library's subscription electronic resources, as well as selected resources that are available freely on the web. The Database Finder provides a short description for each resource to help you determine whether it is would be helpful for your research.
While the database finder can be helpful in locating a resource, it is important to understand that each database not only has different dates of coverage and subject aresa, but also may include different kinds of materials. Before you begin, we suggest that you review Strategies for Selecting the Best Resource for Your Research.
Quick Links
On the main search screen of the Database Finder, you will find a list of Quick Links, which provide fast and easy access to the Library's most popular resources.
Search Features
The Database Finder allows you to look for resources by database name/title, subject, type, vendor, and keyword.
Title Search/A-Z Browse
If you know the title of a database, you can look for the resource either by browsing an A-Z listing of resources, or by conducting a search on the title. The search feature has three different options: Starts With, Contains (the default setting) or Exact. You can also limit your search to free resources (or those available to those outside the University community.
Please note that the search only looks in the title of the resource, not its descriptions. Therefore while you may want the resource "Historical Abstracts", which focuses on world history, typing in the keyword "History" will not locate the item.
Advanced Search
The advanced search provides many more search options for locating resources, including the ability to search the entire record (including descriptions). In addition, it allows you to limit your search by subject area or type of resource.
Subject Browse
Subject Browse allows you to identify the electronic resources on a specific topic. To use this feature, select the "Subject Browse" tab on the web site and select the subject you are interested in. Under sub-categories, you will the number of databases for that subject next to "General". To retrieve the full results list, just click "Go".
The results list shows several different pieces of information . The first entry will generally be a subject guide, which is a help-guide created by our librarians which highlights the core resources in each subject area. However, for locating articles, select "Articles and Indexes" or "Indexes."
You can then go directly into the database by clicking on the name of your resource. Or you can obtain more information by selecting the i icon, which will open a window providing a brief description, dates of coverage, and sometimes search tips. You can view the description automatically by selecting the "Brief View" option at the top of the screen.
|
Brief View provides more information on one screen.
|
Pop-Up Box With More Information |
Your results list will also displays two other icons. "Add to My Space" allows you to include the database into your own personal list of resources using the My Space feature. "Search in Database" allows you to conduct a keyword search within the database using the Database Finder. Please be aware that the Database Finder's search feature, like CrossSearch, only provides the most basic search options. Most databases native search features are optimized for their specific user's needs. Limits, thesaurus searching, or other search features will not be available so construct your search carefully.