1. Using JACKSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE ATKINSON LIBRARY

2. …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

3. Selecting a database

4. FirstSearch provides three options for selecting a database on the Databases tab: Selecting a database

5. The List Databases by Topic option groups databases into subject areas… Selecting a database

6. The List Databases by Topic option groups databases into subject areas. Selecting a database Use the drop-arrow menu to select a topic area.

7. The List All Databases option displays a merged list of all databases. Selecting a database

8. 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

9. 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.

10. The Database list

12. Select—Click the checkbox in front of each database you would like to search. You may select up to 3. The Database list

13. 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

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

15. Description—Displays a short description of the subject/s covered. The Database list

16. Info—Click the Info button to view detailed information on the database. The Database list

17. Updated—Displays the dates on which the databases were last updated. The Database list

18. Full text—Displays the Full Text icon if online full text is available. The Database list

19. Searching

20. 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

21. Advanced Search lets you construct more complex search statements. Searching

22. 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.

23. Other search features

24. 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

25. …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.

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

27. FirstSearch screens and functions

29. Move through FirstSearch using the navigation tabs. Each tab displays context- sensitive links for additional options. FirstSearch screens and functions

30. 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.

31. 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.

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

33. Additional tip: Click the Help button to browse the context-sensitive online help in a pop- window.

34. Using search results

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

36. Using search results To return to the List of Records screen, click the List of Records link under the Results tab.

37. 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

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

39. Related records— …the Related Authors button... Using search results

40. …or the Related Subjects button. Using search results

41. …the Related Subjects button. Using search results

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

43. … 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 database.

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

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

46. 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

47. Marking a subset of records—Click the checkbox for each record you want in your subset list... Using search results Mark All Clear Marks

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

49. …the Marked Records link on the Results tab to view, e-mail, or save the records you marked… Using search results

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

51. Printing— Click the Return button to return to the original format. Using search results

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

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

54. 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

55. Library ownership information… The My Library Owns icon Using search results

56. Library ownership information Click the Libraries button to view a list of libraries that own a particular resource. Using search results

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

58. 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

59. Atkinson Library