Selecting Search Databases

You can expand your search to include remote library catalogs, other databases, and Internet resources. For example, if your library provides this option, you might extend a keyword search beyond the public library catalog to include a university library. The library listed in the Currently logged into box determines what sites and databases are available for searching.

Note:
In addition to remote databases, the library may offer Web search engines, such as Google, for searching simultaneously with any other databases you select. When you select a Web search engine for your search, the result may be a list of Web sites or other resources that include the search terms. Results from Web search engines are limited to 100 entries. (For the Web search engine LookSmart®, results are limited to 6 entries.) Your library may also offer access to subscription databases on special subjects. See "Search special databases (e-sources)".

Objective: Search multiple databases

By default, only the Polaris database for the library system is searched. You can use any search method except Browse to search a different database, or to search multiple resources at the same time.

1. Select a search method (see "Basic Searching").
2. Click Select Databases to access the Other Databases display.
3. Select the databases to search by clicking the appropriate check boxes.
4. Click Set Selected Databases.
5. Click Back to Search.

   The search bar is displayed again. The number of databases you selected is noted on the search bar.

6. Type the search text in the search for box.
7. Click the Search by arrow symbol, and select a search field from the list.
8. Click Go.

   When the search is finished, a summary results list is displayed, showing the number of titles found in each database searched.

Note:
If you search a database or site outside the library system, change the library in the Currently logged into box, and try the same search, you are returned to the search instruction page. Select a database or multiple databases to search before you launch the search again.

9. Select a database from the Databases results list to display the titles.

   For more information about the search results list, refer to "Viewing Search Results".

10. To view the results from another database, click Go back to: Multiple Results to return to the Databases results list, and select another database from the list.
11. To reset the Other Databases option to the default (the library system Polaris database only), click Select Databases to access the Other Databases display.
12. Click Restore Defaults.
13. Click Back to Search.

Related Topics

• Search a single branch - You can limit a search to a single branch or branches within the library system. For more information, see "Setting Search Options".
• Search subscription databases - See "Search special databases (e-sources)".

Objective: Search special databases (e-sources)

The library may offer databases for searching that specialize in a particular subject area, or that cover a certain set of resources. You can search one esource at a time. Follow these steps to search e-sources.

Note:
The library may restrict the use of an e-source so that it can be accessed only from certain locations, only by registered patrons, or only by certain patron codes. A message informs you if the e-source is restricted.

1. Click Search on the menu bar, and click E-Sources on the search submenu.

   The e-sources page displays the database categories and targets the library provides. A category is a group of related databases. A target is a specific database.

2. Select any category to display the subcategories and target e-sources in the category. (You can also select a target directly. See step 4.)

Note:
Click the plus sign to see more information about a target or category.

3. To navigate among categories and subcategories, click the navigation links at the top of the e-sources page.

Note:
Click E-Source Home to display the main esources page.

4. Select an e-source target to search.
5. If you are asked to provide your library account number (barcode) and password, type these in the appropriate spaces and click Log In.

   The Web page for the e-source opens in a separate window.

6. Follow the search instructions for the e-source you selected.
7. Click X to close the e-source window and return to Polaris PowerPAC.

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