Using

JACKSON COMMUNITY

COLLEGE ATKINSON LIBRARY

…is a Web-based information system for searching online databases. A database is a collection of related resources on a specific topic. Each entry in a database is called a record.

FirstSearch

Selecting a database

FirstSearch provides three options for selecting a database on the Databases

tab:

Selecting a database

The List Databases by Topic option

groups databases into subject areas…

Selecting a database

The List Databases by Topic option

groups databases into subject areas.

Selecting a database

Use the drop-arrow menu to

select a topic area.

The List All Databases option displays a

merged list of all databases.

Selecting a database

If you need help selecting a database, use the Suggest Best option to scan databases for your key search term/s.

Selecting a database

Your key search term/s

Then click on List

Selecting a database

You can then select

the databases that best meet the needs of your research.

Your estimated results are listed

here by numbers of records in each

database that match your search.

The Database list

The Database list

Select—Click the checkbox in front of each database you would like to search.

You may select up to 3.

The Database list

A default database may be pre-selected. If you do not want to include the default database in your search, click the checkbox in the first column to de-select it.

The Database list

Database—Displays the name of the database. Click to search in just one database.

The Database list

Description—Displays a short description of the subject/s covered.

The Database list

Info—Click the Info button to view detailed information on the database.

The Database list

Updated—Displays the dates on which

the databases were last updated.

The Database list

Full text—Displays the Full Text icon if online full text is available.

The Database list

Searching

The Basic Search screen allows you to search the main indexes of a database. Use the Basic search if you are new to online searching, or if you need quick results using a simple search statement.

Searching

Advanced Search lets you construct more complex search statements.

Searching

Up to three search strings & indexes can be combined, as well as other search limits.

Searching

Combine terms with

~AND~~NOT~~OR~

You can specify a

Year…

…or have your results sorted.

Other search features

Browse the indexes to verify the correct spelling or format for search terms. Click the Index button to access the

Browse Index feature.

Other search features

…browse the indexes to verify the correct spelling or format for search terms.

Other search features

Click on a term to copy it onto

your search screen.

Use Rank to organize the results of your search. (Available Rank options vary by database.)

Other search features

FirstSearch screens

and functions

FirstSearch screens and functions

Move through FirstSearch using the navigation tabs. Each tab displays context-sensitive links for additional

options.

FirstSearch screens and functions

For example, in the figure below, the List of Records screen displays as the Active

Option on the Results tab.

FirstSearch screens and functions

The Active Option tab is white, not

gray.

The tab being displayed

(“Results”) is blue, not gray.

The Detailed Record and Marked Records options appear as links to additional screens that are also

available on the Results tab.

FirstSearch screens and functions

Click on these grayed-out options to activate them.

Check the control panel below the navigation tabs for status information and specialized tools such as Sort and Help.

FirstSearch screens and functions

Additional tip:

Click the Help button to browse the context-sensitive online help in a pop-

window.

Using search results

Using search results

To view a detailed record from the List of Records screen, click on the record title.

Viewing a detailed record—

Using search results

To return to the List of Records screen, click the List of Records link under the Results tab.

Viewing full text—The Full Text button and full text format information appear with any record for which full text is available online. Click either the button or the format information to see the full text.

Using search results

Related records—To help clarify your search results, try clicking on the Related Authors button...

Using search results

Related records— …the Related Authors button...

Using search results

    …or the Related Subjects button.

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    …the Related Subjects button.

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Sorting records—Click the Sort button to select sort options for a set of results containing 500 or fewer records.

Using search results

…click the Sort button to select sorting options for a set of results containing 500 or fewer records.

Using search results

Sorting options will vary

by databas

e.

Limiting results—To narrow your set of results, click the Limit button and select from the list of database-specific limits.

Using search results

…narrowing your set of results. Select from the list of database-specific limits.

Using search results

Marking a subset of records—Click the checkbox for each

record you want in your subset list. Use the Mark All button to mark all records on a page or the Clear Marks button to

unmark all records on your list. Click the Marked Records link on the Results tab to view, e-

mail, or save.

Using search results

Marking a subset of records—Click the checkbox for each record you want

in your subset list...

Using search results

Mark All

Clear Mark

s

Click the Marked Records link under the Results tab to view, e-mail, or save the records you marked.

Using search results

…the Marked Records link on the Results tab to view, e-mail, or save the records you marked…

Using search results

Printing—Click the Print button to reformat a page of results for printing. Use your browser's print function to print…

Using search results

Printing— Click the Return button     to return to the original format.

Using search results

   E-mailing—Click the E-mail button to e-mail records, library ownership information, or full-text copy…

Using search results

  The E-mail button takes you to a form to e-mail records, library ownership information, or full-text copy.

Using search results

            

Library ownership information

The My Library Owns icon is displayed with any resource that our library owns. Click the Libraries button to view a list of libraries that own a particular resource.

Using search results

            

Library ownership information…The My Library Owns icon

Using search results

            

Library ownership informationClick the Libraries button to view a list of libraries that own a particular resource.

Using search results

            

Interlibrary loan—On the Detailed Record screen, click the ILL button to request an item through InterLibrary Loan (ILL).

Using search results

            

Using search results

Be sure to contact a Reference Librarian if you have any

questions while using FirstSearch:

•Email

•Phone 517-796-8622

•Fax 517-796-8623

•Visit the Library in Walker Hall

            

Atkinson Library