How to find a specific database from the Library

It's easy now to cross-search key collections of databases using 'Quick search' from the Library home page. 'Quick search' enables you to search the twelve key databases in your subject area in one search.

But if you want to make the most of the more advanced searching features available using the native interfaces of databases, such as, Emerald Fulltext, Business Source Premier, ACM Digital Library, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source, you may find these instructions from the 'How to use the Library guide' helpful. They explain how to find a specific database from the Library.

Where's the Library login box gone?

When you try to access a Library resource now it automatically prompts you to login to EZproxy (with your Managed Windows Service (MWS) username and password). As nearly all Library resources are authenticated through EZproxy now and not Athens the Library has removed the login box as it is no longer necessary to login to both. On the rare occasions that you need to login to Athens to access a resource, you will be prompted to do so when you try to access that resource. Once logged into EZproxy, as long as you stay in the same Internet session, you shouldn't need to login to EZproxy again.

The Login advice FAQ link on the Library home page that has replaced the login box explains this in more detail.

Improve your MetaLib searching techniques with these search tips

The 'Quick search' option for MetaLib (the new Library search tool) is relatively easy to use as it uses 'Google type' search syntax. However, if you want to improve your searching techniques, take a look at these tips on searching MetaLib. And if you need more advice on searching, contact Stephanie Allen, Online Librarian.

Library database pages changed to new style MetaLib pages

The Library has now switched from the old style ASP database pages to the new style MetaLib database pages. This means that the links in the left navigation of the Online Library pages have changed to the following:

Library resources for Management Subjects
Library resources for Computing Subjects
Library resources for Public Health Subjects

Login to EZproxy with your MWS username and password when prompted. You will then be taken to 'Expert Search' the key twelve databases in your subject.

From here you can:

- Type in your search term and then select the database(s) you want to search by making sure there is a tick next to the database(s) you want.
- Link to the native database interface by clicking on a database title.
- Use the 'Find database' option to locate a specific a database and link to the native database interface.
- Use the other cross-searching options, such as cross-search e-book collections, more collections, general reference collections.

If you have any questions please contact the Online Librarian.

Access to Library databases soon switching to MetaLib

As part of improving access to Library resources, in the next few days, the Library will be switching to our new style MetaLib database pages from the old style ASP database pages. This will mean that the links in the left navigation of the Online Library pages that currently link to to the ASP lists of databases will change to the following:

Library resources for Management Subjects
Library resources for Computing Subjects
Library resources for Public Health Subjects

Login to EZproxy with your MWS username and password when prompted. You will then be taken to 'Expert Search' the key twelve databases in your subject. From here you can:

1. Type in your search term and then select the database(s) you want to search by making sure there is a tick next to the database(s) you want.
2. Link to the native database interface by clicking on a database title.
3. Use the 'Find database' option to locate a specific a database and link to the native database interface.
4. Use the other cross-searching options, such as cross-search e-book collections, more collections, general reference collections.

Why not have a look now so you will be prepared for the change?

If you have any questions please contact the Online Librarian.

Secret Question and Answer for your MWS account

You may find that you need to contact the University Computing Services Helpdesk. For example, if you've forgotten your Managed Windows Service (MWS) username or password, you will need to contact the Helpdesk.

Before the Helpdesk can help you though they will need to verify your identity. To save you time and make it easier for you, you can set a Secret Question and Answer for your Managed Windows Service (MWS) account. When you contact the Helpdesk in the future, you may be asked this question to verify your identity.

Why not set a Secret Question and Answer now? Just type in your Managed Windows Service (MWS) username and password when prompted.

MetaLib available again

The Library's cross-searching tool, MetaLib, is now available again. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this down time has caused.

MetaLib currently unavailable

MetaLib is currently unavailable. The problem is being investigated and we hope that it will be available again soon. The old style ASP Library web pages that provide links to key Library databases are working (Management; Computing; Public Health) and also the e-journal search and the e-book search.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused. I will update the blog as soon as I hear more about this.