Saving Searches

You can save any search except a browse search, and have your saved searches run automatically at designated intervals. (You can also run a saved search manually, any time.) Each time a saved search is run, the search looks for results that are new since the last run.

Note:
The library limits the number of titles returned for a saved search that runs automatically. The default limit is 500 titles.

The results of saved searches are automatically sent by e-mail to an address you specify. The e-mail message includes the name and description of the search, the number of new titles found, and the call number, author, and title of each new item. Each entry for a new item includes a See Search link, which you can select to access Polaris PowerPAC and launch a search for the new item.

You may have multiple saved searches scheduled to run at different frequencies. In this case, you receive an e-mail message listing the results for the weekly searches, and a separate message listing the results for the monthly searches.

Objective: Set up and save a search

Follow these steps to set up and save a search.

1. Set up and run a keyword, phrase, exact phrase, advanced, or Boolean search (refer to "Basic Searching" or "Complex Searching").

   The search results are displayed.

Note:
This set of results, even if it contains no titles, is the base set for the first automatic search, which looks for titles that are new since this search was run. Each subsequent automatic search looks for titles new since the last time the search was run.

2. Click Save Search in the search bar.
3. If Polaris requests your barcode number (library account number) and password, type the barcode and password in the appropriate boxes, and click Log In to submit the information (see "Logging In and Out").

Note:
If this is the first time you have saved a search, a consent message may be displayed. Read the message, and if you want to continue, click Yes.

The Save Search form is displayed.

4. Fill out the fields on the Save Search form as follows:
   • Search name - Type a name to identify the search in your list of saved searches.
   • Note - Type a brief phrase to help you remember details about the search (optional).
   • Email results to - Type any e-mail address to receive the results.
   • Email format - HTML or plain text. Select the format you prefer for e-mail. Your selection applies to all your saved searches.
   • Email if no results - Check the box if you want to receive an e-mail when an automatic search returns no new results.
   • Search frequency - Specifies how often the saved search is automatically run (Weekly, Monthly, or Suspend). The library schedules the automatic run. Select Suspend if you want to save the search to use later, but do not want regular results at this time. You can edit the setting to a different frequency later, or run the search manually when you choose (see "View and edit saved searches", and "Run a saved search manually").
   • Number of times to run - Type the number of times that the saved search should be run automatically. The library sets a maximum number for this setting.

Note:
The Search command field displays your search as a search command. You cannot edit this field.

5. Click Save Search.

   The search is saved.

6. Click the Back link to return to the search page.

Important:
Protect your privacy. If you see in the menu bar, you are logged in. Be sure to click before you leave the computer.

Related Topics

• Viewing, editing, and deleting saved searches - See "Viewing and Editing Searches".

Objective: Run a saved search manually

You can run any saved search manually, instead of waiting for the next automatic run. Follow these steps to run a saved search manually.

Note:
When you run a saved search manually, the run counts toward the total number of times the search is to be run, which you specified when you saved the search.

1. Access your saved searches by one of the following methods:
   • If your library provides the single log-in feature, log in to Polaris (refer to "Log in and out").

     A brief list of your most recent saved searches is displayed in the left pane of the window. As long as you remain logged in, the list is displayed.

     If you logged in at this time, the Saved Searches page from your patron account is also displayed.

Note:
You can display the Saved Searches page at any time by clicking Show All in the Saved Searches list in the left pane of the window.

• Select Patron Account in the menu bar, and log in. Select Saved Searches in the Patron Account submenu.

  The Saved Searches page from your patron account is displayed.

2. Run a search manually by one of these methods:
   • In the left pane, click the triangle by the search you want to run.
   • On the Saved Searches page of your patron account, click the name of the search you want to run, and click Search on the search form.

     The search results are displayed (refer to "Viewing Search Results").

Important:
Protect your privacy. If you see in the menu bar, you are logged in. Be sure to click before you leave the computer.