Saving citations/documents while searching
In most electronic resources, you have the option to "save" selected items from a list of results temporarily with the option to then print, email, save, or export this list before you end your session.
While each database will use different jargon (save to checked list, save to folder, save to clipboard, etc.) each option functions in virtually the same way - the same as your virtual "shopping cart" on sites like Amazon.
Be sure to:
Setting up alerts
These days, most database providers allow the option to set up alerts of various types. This means you can:
Once you have built a good search in a database, look for the options of "Save search" or "Set up Alert." Your options will include:
Make sure that your search is a good one though - take some time to experiement! Your efforts will pay off in time saved down the road.
Limiters
In general, limiters are located below the empty search boxes on the advanced search screen. You can always consult the "Help" or "Information" menus in each database you use if you are having trouble. Limiters help you focus your database searches by limiting your result set to items that fit certain criteria specified by you, thereby weeding out irrelevant results.
Across the board, databases allow for the limiting of searches by various criteria. Some common limiters are:
Special Limiters
Some of the more discipline-specific databases (PsycINFO e.g.) have special limiters that are particular to research in the disciplines they cover.
Special limiters for the Social Sciences databases include:
Special limiters for Education include: