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First Search DatabasesThe Clearwater Public Library and the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative offer the First Search databases to registered library patrons as a way to search for articles and/or article citations. ACCESSING THE DATABASESClick here to access one of the databases You must be at a library branch in order to access the database. Select the database you want from the list. Although these databases are in fact different, their search interface is in each case the same as what is presented here using First Search as an example. The information you will get from your searches is simply being drawn from different sources. CHOOSING YOUR DATABASESThe first page you will see is a listing of the databases available; you can choose up to three at a time. About half of the databases are full-text, which means you can directly access articles from them. After you have made your choices, click on Select and the Search page will open up. BASIC SEARCHThe Basic Search window looks like this:
As you can see, you can search by keyword, author, or title. ADVANCED SEARCHThere are two additional options to the Basic Search, Advanced and Expert Search. To access them, click on the appropriate button near the top of the Basic Search page:
In Advanced Search mode, you have more options in terms of searching for more than one term, and by limiting the date range of the publications.
EXPERT SEARCHThe Expert Search window looks like the Advanced Search one, but at the bottom of the page you will see instructions on how to use Boolean operators to assist you in keeping your search narrow:
WORKING WITH SEARCH RESULTSAfter you have conducted a search, you will get a listing of matches. At the upper left of the results page are located navigation tools and buttons for printing and emailing the search results:
At the top of the results page are links to assist you with additional resources:
Also at the top of the results page you will see options for how the results are displayed:
You can mark records for later retrieval by simply clicking on the checkbox next to each article. When you click on one of the links for an article, you will get a detailed listing of the article’s contents and bibliographical information.
When you look at an item’s details, you will be notified if the Clearwater Library owns the item:
TOPICSIf you click on the Home button from any page, you will be to use a list of topics that might help you search more effectively.
At the top of the screen, there is a listing of Hot Topics:
One of the options is to choose to view a list of current hot topics:
Click here to access one of the databases You must be at a library branch in order to access the database.
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