Quick Search Debuts

January 2009--Raynor Memorial Libraries have launched a new search feature that will simultaneously search multiple online databases.  Look for the simple search box (above) in the "Find Articles" tab on the newly-designed Libraries' home page.  Dubbed "Quick Search," the search tool can include up to thirty databases and return results to a common interface.  A detailed "Help" page is available and 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 wanting to conduct a broad search that covers more than one subject area and possibly, more than one type of source--articles, books, and reports.

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 some experience and time to gather usage statistics, the implementation team may consider adding or deleting target databases from Quick Search.

Q: How does Quick Search work?

A. Quick Search takes the search words, passes them through to many databases, assembles the results, and when the user clicks on an individual item, opens a new tab/window to display the article.  Quick Search has no control over how the individual databases handle the search words--it is possible to get different, or better, results when using a vendor's interface for a individual database.  Quick Search is simply an intermediary between the searcher and the database.

There are three ways to begin a search and tailor the content: 1) In the "Find Articles" tab on the Libraries' home page, The Quick Search box retrieves results of a keyword search in six of the more general full-text 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: Can I use Quick Search from home?

A. Yes, however, all licensed subscriptions are limited to the current Marquette community and connection from off-campus will prompt the user login screen.  Read more details on the "Accessing Library E-Resources from Home" page.

Q:  Why do Quick Search screens look different than the last time I visited?

A:  Quick Search is a work in progress while we fine-tune all the database connections.  Implementing Quick Search required customized setup with each database vendor, however most known "bugs" have been remedied.  We will appreciate reports of any problems encountered.

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

A:  User comments, suggestions, and trouble reports are welcomed by the implementation team; please use the AskUs! e-mail form.