Instructional Guides

FirstSearch

Why use FirstSearch?

FirstSearch is a collection of different databases with the same search interface. Use this guide to assist with searching the following FirstSearch databases: 

• ArticleFirst
• Bibliography of the History of Art
• Books in Print
• GPO Monthly Catalog  
• PapersFirst
• ProceedingsFirst
• World Cat

The following FirstSearch databases have specific instructional guides:

• Applied Science and Technology Abstracts
• Clase/Periódica
• ERIC
• General Science Abstracts
• GEOBASE 
• Humanities Abstracts
• MEDLINE
• Periodicals Title Finder 
• Readers' Guide Abstracts
• Social Sciences Abstracts
  

While each database has its own individual link, there is a general FirstSearch link that allows for simultaneous searching of up to three databases at a time. In addition, you may search general subject areas which include the following: Arts and Humanities, Biography, Business and Economics, Conferences and Proceedings, Consumer Affairs and People, Education, Engineering and Technology, General, General Science, Life Sciences, Medicine/Health-Consumer, Medicine/Health-Professional, News and Current Events, Public Affairs and Law, Quick Reference and Social Sciences.

After choosing FirstSearch from the list of databases on the Electronic Resources-Find Articles page, you will be at the main screen. To choose more than one database to search click on "List All Databases" under the tab labeled Home.

• You may also search directly from this screen by simply entering your information in the "Search for" box and selecting either a topic or database underneath. If you want to display an Advanced Search screen to search in one database only, select the database in the dropdown box next to "Jump to Advanced Search."
   

This will take you to a screen that lists all the FirstSearch databases.To select a database, just click in the box next to the database(s) you wish to search. You may search up to three databases simultaneously. When you have selected the database(s) you wish, click on the "Select" button at the top or bottom of the list.

You are now at the Advanced Search screen where you may enter your search terms. Fill in your search terms and click "Search."

Your search results are now displayed. The screen indicates how many total records were retrieved as well as how many records were found in each database. Most recent articles are listed first. This list may either be printed or Emailed.

To see an individual record, click on the hyperlinked title. This will take you to the "Detailed Record" screen where you can see all the information on the item, including the title, author, source information, etc. To find out if we have access to the item in the CSULB Library,
 click the  button.   will tell you how and where to obtain your item.
 


 

Printing

To print a record or list, simply click on the  button. This will format the record to get rid of frames and make the screen print-ready (see below). Use your browser's print functions by clicking "File-Print."
 

Emailing

To Email a record to yourself, click on the  button. This brings you to a screen that asks you how you want to Email the record and to enter your Email address. There is also space for you to enter a note to yourself. After entering your information, click "Send."

 



For additional information or more detailed instructions, click on  at any time.