Help for E-Resources/Article Databases

Searching

1. Select database from the UW-Madison Libraries Web site.
2. Type a word or phrase in the SEARCH box.
3. Click on SEARCH.

Combining Terms

Use OR to connect similar terms. OR broadens your search.

• Example: groundwater or ground water

Use AND to connect separate concepts. AND narrows your search.

• Example:groundwater and contamination

Truncating Terms

Use * to replace one or more characters at the end of a search term.

• Example: agricultur* (retrieves agriculture, agricultural)

Use ? to replace one character or none.

• Example: m?cdonald (retrieves macdonald, mcdonald)

Proximity Searching

Use Near# to find terms within a specified number (#) of words of each other regardless of the order.

• Example: organic near3 farming (retrieves organic farming, organic vegetable farming, farming using the organic method)

Combining Search Sets

1. Click on SEARCH HISTORY.
2. Click in the box(es) to the left of desired search sets to combine.
3. Click on the ADD or OR on the right hand side of the screen.

Author Searching

1. Click on INDEX.
2. Type the last name and the first initial of the person you want to locate in the TERM box.
   Example: andrews j
3. Click on GO TO TERM.
4. The word closest to the name entered will be displayed. Click in the box to the left of the name(s) desired.
5. Click on SEARCH MARKED.

Journal Searching

To browse a specific journal

1. Click on FIND CITATION.
2. Type one or more words from the journal name in the JOURNAL NAME: box.
3. Type the four digit year in the PUBLICATION YEAR: box.
   
4. Click on SEARCH.

To find a specific article:

1. Click on FIND CITATION.
2. Enter appropriate information in the search boxes.
   Note: If entering the article title only use one or more unique words. Typing the entire article title is not recommended.
3. Click on SEARCH.

Displaying Search Results

1. Use the SCROLL BAR to move through records on the page.
2. Click on left or right arrows to move to the next or previous list of records.
3. Click on COMPLETE RECORDto diaplay the full record
4. Click on FIND IT to find electronic or print copies of this item on campus.

Selecting Records

1. Click in the box to the left of the record to mark it for later printing, saving, exporting, or emailing.
   (Optional) Click on GET MARKED at bottom of screen to see marked records.

1. Click on the PRINTER icon on the right hand of screen.
2. Click in desired radio button under RECORDS TO BE PRINTED.
3. Select desired settings.
4. Click on PRINT at the top right of the screen.

Saving Search Results

1. Insert removable storage device. (i.e. flash drive, memory stick, 3 1/2" disk ...)
2. Click on the DISK icon on the right hand side of the screen.
3. Click in the radion button under SAVE THESE RECORDS to select desired records.
4. Click on SAVE.
5. Type the disk drive letter, the filename (up to 8 characters) and .txt in the FILE NAME box.
   Example: a:myfile.txt
6. Click on SAVE.

Exporting Search Results to RefWorks

Moving Records from WebSPIRS SilverPlatter into RefWorks

Emailing Search Results

1. Click on the ENVELOPE icon on the right hand of the screen.
2. Type complete email addresses in the FROM: and SEND: boxes.
3. Click in the SUBJECT: box and enter message if desired.
4. Click in the radion button under EMAIL THESE RECORDS to select desired records.
5. Click on SEND MAIL.
6. Click on OK.

Setting Up RSS Feeds & Alerts

RSS & Alerts Guides: WebSPIRS (SilverPlatter)

Beginning a New Search, Exiting, and Getting Help

Beginning a New Search

• Click on SEARCH at the top of the screen.

Exiting

• Click on HOME at the top of the screen to return to the UW-Madison Libraries Web site.

Getting Help

• Click on HELP for on-screen help.

For further assistance, consult library staff.

Databases Covered by This Guide

• Agricola
• AGRIS
• Biological Abstracts/RRM
• Biotechnology Abstracts(Derwent)
• CAB Abstracts
• FIAF: Index Film/TV Periodicals
• FSTA
• Index to Foreign Legal Periodicals
• International Bibliography of the Social Sciences
• Social Work Abstracts Plus
• TROPAG & RURAL