Access & Logging On | Database Selection | Standard Search | Guided Search | Scan Indexes | Thesaurus Search | Viewing Results | Working with Records | Search History | Search Tips
Introduction
Informit Search provides access to over 80 Australasian indexing and abstracting databases. These research databases cover a variety of subject areas, for example social sciences, education, health, medicine, accounting, economics, business, management, drugs, sport, criminology and film studies.
NOTE: Many records include abstracts, but no full text is available unless the citation is linked to a free web source.
Access & Logging On
- Informit Search can be accessed directly with the URL http://search.informit.com.au/
- From the Library & Computing Services page, follow links to Library Resources then select Databases.
- To access from off campus, login first using your JCU username and password from the Remote Access link and then follow the links to the databases page.
Database Selection
- Select one or more of the listed resources (databases) and click on Start Searching
or use the Find Resources button to find out which databases contain your search terms.- If you wish to return to the list of resources at any time, select the Resources button on the tool bar at the top left of the screen.
Performing a Standard Search
- Enter a term or phrase in the Search box. A table of Quick Tips is provided in the bottom half of the screen.
- To limit your search to a specific date range, check the Publication year check box and change the dates if necessary.
- Select Set more limits if you want a greater choice of limiting options.
- Click on
Performing a Guided Search
This function allows you to combine search terms and search in specific fields.
- Select Guided Search from the tool bar at the top of the screen.
- Enter a term or phrase in the first Search box.
- Click the DOWN ARROW in the 'any field' box to select a field from the list.
- Select an operator (AND, OR, NOT) to combine with your next search term.
- Repeat these steps if you wish to enter further search terms.
- Click Search
Scan Indexes
This function allows you to view a selected index from which you can choose terms for searching.
- In the Index list, click the index you want to search.
- Type the term you want to search for, and click Go to Scan Term to search for the term in the index.
- Results are displayed in the lower half of the screen.
NOTE: Field indexes available for each database vary.Thesaurus Search
- The Thesaurus function allows you to view an online thesaurus from which you can select terms for searching.
- You can either search directly for thesaurus terms or browse through the thesaurus, then select the terms you want to search for.
- Note: This function is only available for databases where an online thesaurus is available.
Viewing Results
- Records retrieved by your search automatically display when the search is completed. The number of records is displayed.
- To change the display of your results, click View Options . This will give you various options. You can select what information is displayed and how the records are sorted.
- Note: If you are searching a number of databases together, the sort options may not be available, e.g. you may not be able to sort by date.
Working with Records
- To view the complete record, click the Show All Fields records link.
- To select records, click the Mark Records check box to the left of the displayed record. Records can also be unmarked.
- To display marked records, click on View Marked Records.
- When your records are displayed, click on the appropriate link - Save, Print or Email - then follow the directions.
Search History
- Search History lists the searches you have performed and indicates the number of records retrieved for each.
- You can combine searches by tagging two or more searches, then selecting either Combine using AND or Combine using OR to perform the new search. You can also select other actions to carry out.
- Click on the Save History icon to save a search history. Saving your search history is especially helpful for complex searches or those you perform on a regular basis.
- To access Saved Search Histories, click on Load History.
Search Tips
- Construct your search. Identify the key concepts in your topic.
For more detail, go to the InfoHelp VISA tutorial guide.- Use the important keywords and synonyms to create a search expression.
e.g. dyslexia AND children will retrieve records containing both of the keywords.
NOTE: If you enter dyslexia children the search will use AND.children OR boys OR girls will retrieve records containing any of the keywords.
- See Search Strategy Tips: Combining Search Terms for more detail.
- Search for a phrase by using quotation marks
e.g. "maritime archaeology"; "social work practice"
- Search using operators
- individual* retrieves individuals, individualism, individuality, etc.
- @ (fuzzy search) finds search terms close in spelling to the word you are searching for.
e.g. @behavior also finds behaviour- The wildcard symbol (?) is used as a letter substitute for words with multiple spellings, e.g. colo?r retrieves both color and colour.
- Click on Informit Search Quick Tips for more operators and examples.
Searching in specific fields
- Use the Guided Search option
- A search query can also be constructed using specific field tags,
e.g. ti=classroom; au=smith; su=politics
py>1999 will search for records with a publication record greater than 1999Finished Searching?
Select Logout from the toolbar at the top right corner of the screen.
Need further assistance?
Ask InfoHelp
If this information is inadequate, incorrect, or can be improved in any way, please let us know
Web Mail | LearnJCU | Contacts | Bulletins | Campus Maps
