Friday, September 21, 2012

BIG Search – A New Search Tool

If you have visited the library’s web page recently, you probably noticed a new, cleaner look and a more prominent search box. The search box is known as BIG Search, and it represents a new trend in libraries: Discovery. Discovery is a concept that aims to help researchers discover more relevant library materials through a simpler search interface.

The Millsaps-Wilson Library provides BIG Search for one-stop searching. Databases searchable through Big Search include EBSCO, JSTOR, and Project Muse, as well as many more. You’ll also notice that individual databases not included in BIG Search are listed and linked directly below the search box.

On top of the new search box, tabs are available to give you even more options:



Explanation of tabs:

  • BIG Search is just the first of five tabs you can select. BIG Search allows you to search a multitude of databases at the same time.
  • Articles & Databases Tab: This tab allows you to select one database at a time, and there may be times when this is the best option depending on your research. Click on a letter of the alphabet to find the database you need.
  • Catalog Tab: You can use this tab to search only the Millsaps-Wilson Library catalog or only the Worldcat catalog.
  • Journals Tab: Use this tab when you need to find out if the library subscribes to a specific journal or magazine. You can also browse for journals by subject or title.
  • Research Guides: These guides are developed by librarians to help you conduct research in specific subject areas. If you find yourself not knowing how to start your research, these guides can help you get that jump start you need.
Librarians are here to help you, and please ask us if you would like more information about any services the library offers.