Libraries Launch Beta Quick Search

December 2008--Raynor Memorial Libraries have launched a trial of a new search engine that will simultaneously search multiple online databases.  Look for the simple search box (above) on the Libraries' home page.  Dubbed "Quick Search," the search tool can include up to thirty databases and return results to a common interface.  Quick Search's features will be tweaked and described more fully in the coming month.  Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Q: Who is Quick Search designed for?

A: Two types of researchers: first, for anyone who is not sure where to start and wants to search several databases at once. Second, Quick Search is for anyone looking to conduct a broad search that covers more than one type of source--articles, books, and reports--in more than one discipline.

Q: Which databases are available and why isn't my favorite search engine included?

A. Thirty online databases are included, primarily databases licensed by the Marquette Libraries, plus MARQCAT and a few free Web-based resources. The Advanced Search screen lists all the databases, or search engines, arranged in broad categories.  The initial software purchase allowed a maximum of 30 databases to which we already subscribe, plus 6 free resources.  The implementation team had to balance broad coverage and inclusion of most disciplines.  After a shakedown period and time to gather usage statistics, it may be possible to add or delete titles from Quick Search.

Q. How does Quick Search work?

A. There are three ways to begin a search and tailor the content: 1) The Quick Search box on the Libraries' home page retrieves full text results of a keyword search in six of the more general databases--Academic Search Elite, ProQuest Research Library, CQ Researcher, Issues & Controversies, JSTOR, and Periodicals Archive Online. 2) The Basic Search screen, accessed by clicking on "Quick Search" in the home page box, allows a simple keyword search, but allows the researcher to specify one or any combination of the subject categories. 3) The Advanced Search screen, allows combining search terms (Boolean search) and selecting any combination of databases from the universe of choices.  Click on the ? icon for help.

Q:  What determines the order in which the results from different databases appear?

A:  While the databases are listed alphabetically on the tabbed results screen the database with the first viewable results is determined by a combination of Internet connection speed and vendor server speed.  Results from each source are grouped together, or users may choose to see all results interfiled into one list.

Q:  Quick Search screens look different than the last time I visited. What gives?

A:  All of the Quick Search pages are a work in progress and not all the features are fully functional, such as the Advanced Search "Save Group." That's why we're calling it "Beta" while we work on it; we plan to announce a fully functional search feature for second semester.

Q:  To whom should I direct my suggestions and questions?

A:  User comments and suggestions are welcomed by the implementation team; please use the AskUs! contacts.