Starting a new research project, but not sure where to dive in? The Windsor Public Library’s online databases are a great place to begin. You can use them to access thousands of publications containing full text articles, peer reviewed content, images, newspaper abstracts, editorials, video clips, and more.
Our databases page is broken down into five main categories: EBOOKS, AUDIOBOOKS & MUSIC, SPECIAL INTEREST, REFERENCE, RESEARCH, and RESSOURCES EN FRANÇAIS.
Let’s take a closer look at Reference & Research, which is where most searches begin. Infotrac…LegalTrac…OneFile…Newsstand…Novelist – are you feeling overwhelmed before you’ve even started? Are yourself asking questions like “What’s the difference between all of these?” “How do I know which one to pick?” “Health? Science? Computers? My topic touches on them all?”
One Search. One Click.
Do not fret – our handy little “SEARCH EVERYTHING” tool will scan *most* of the WPL’s databases at the same time. All of the same search tools (Advanced Search, Limit by Publication Type, Date, Format, etc.), that are available in the individual databases can also be applied in Search Everything. Tip: If you want to know exactly which publications are being searched, you can hold your pointer over “Show All.” OR, you can specify which publications you would like to include by clicking on choose databases and selecting from the list.
Getting the Best Results
A search for the term “Global Warming” turns up a lot of results – which is good, as you have many options for narrowing them down. If you look to the left side of the page, you will see options to refine by Format, Date, Subject, and/or Publication – simply check the boxes that you want to apply and click on Update. There are also drop down selections that will allow you to modify the way you view your results based on your personal preferences.
Tip: If you are interested in knowing where your results came from, click on Integrated Search Details in the top right corner of your screen. This will list all of the databases that were scanned, as well as how many hits each produced.
Using this Tool
You can access the Search Everything tool from the top of our databases page – click on Search Most of Them. As with many of our other E-Resources, you will need a valid library card and PIN number to access them from outside the library. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us! We are always happy to assist you.
