EBSCOhost® DATABASES

Sullivan University Library

What is EBSCOhost®?

EbsCOhost® is a database collection that is provided by the Kentucky Virtual Library® (KYVL®).

What is KYVL®?KYVL® is a statewide library consortium providing access to library and information resources.

EBSCOhost® is one of those resources.

How Do You Access EBSCOhost?

1. Go to the Sullivan University Library web page, http://library.sullivan.edu

2. Select Articles and E-Books from the lefthand navigation menu.

3. Click the “Login to Databases” link.

4. Log in using the instructions below the link. (Off-campus only.)

5. Click on EBSCOhost Web to access EBSCOhost.

The DATABASE screen will appear.

All of the DATABASES that you have access to are listed on this screen.

You can find out more about a particular database by clicking the MORE INFORMATION link by each of the databases.

The EBSCOhost® Database Screen

Single Database Selection

To search a single database, click on the database name.

You will be taken to the default search screen for that database.

A Multiple Database Search

To search several databases at the same time, check the boxes next to the databases that you want to search.

Once the selections are made, click the CONTINUE button.

A Multiple Database Search

There are advantages and disadvantages to using this method.

A major advantage is that you may save time.

The disadvantages include the slowness of the search.

You may also lose some functionality (with ESBCOhost®, you cannot do a Subjects or Publication search using multiple databases).

Basic Search by Keyword Search

The default search screen is a Basic Search by Keyword Screen.

Basic Search by Keyword

To perform a Basic Search by Keyword:

• Type the search word(s) in the entry box.

• Select limiter and expander options (if desired).

• Click the SEARCH button.

• The database will return results containing articles and publications in which the search word(s) appear.

Search Options

Boolean operators can be used in a KEYWORD SEARCH.

• AND: When AND is used, all the search terms must appear in the search results.

• OR: When OR is used, any or all of the search terms can appear in the results.

• NOT: When NOT is used, all the results must contain the first term, but cannot contain the second term.

Search Options

Searches can also be refined (limited or expanded) by searching for:

• Full text only• A particular publication

Or searching within:• Related words• Full text articles

Basic Search by Keyword

• The results of a BASIC SEARCH by KEYWORD will be listed in date order (the most recent first).

• Basic citation information will be seen, along with links to abstracts and/or full-text (if available).

• At the top of the results list, you will find the total number of results that were found.

• There will also be an option to search only in the results list for scholarly journals, magazines, or other types of publication.

The Results Screen

Once you click on an article or document from the results list, the citation will appear.

You can choose to print, e-mail or save the document.

You can also add the citation to a folder that will remain available until you leave the database.

You can click NEW SEARCH to return to a search screen.

You can click HELP for further assistance.

Maneuvering Through EBSCOhost®

The tabs and buttons at the top of the screen can be used to maneuver through an EBSCOhost® database.

You can perform various searches or maneuver through EBSCOhost® by clicking on a tab or button.

Maneuvering through EBSCOhost®

The Subjects (or Thesaurus) Search button can be used to locate listings of periodicals or other publications that contain the subject (topic) you are looking for.

(NOTE: The Subjects Search is not available for multiple database searches).

Maneuvering through EBSCOhost®

The Publications Search button allows you to search for a particular publication, journal, magazine, etc.

(NOTE: The publications search is not available if you are searching multiple databases).

Maneuvering through EBSCOhost®

Business Source Complete offers a special feature: Company Profiles.

The Company Profiles feature can be used to pull up information about companies.

Maneuvering through EBSCOhost®

The Images button can be used to search for photographic images.

The Choose Databases button brings you back to the Database Selection screen.

Maneuvering through EBSCOhost®

By clicking the Sullivan University logo at the top of the screen, you will be returned to the library website.

Advanced Searching

Advanced Searching is available.

This allows you to enter a search using keywords, the search history, limiters, and field codes.

If you are interested in performing an Advanced Search, it is recommended that you consult the EBSCOhost® HELP screen for further information.

Conclusion

EBSCOhost® databases can be a very useful tool and reference source for you.

There are other methods and ways to use the EBSCOhost® databases that have not been covered in this presentation.

Be sure and click the HELP button for additional assistance and ask your instructor or library staff for information.