Skip to Content
California State University, Long Beach
CSULB Library
Print this pageAdd this page to your favoritesSelect a font sizeSelect a small fontSelect a medium fontSelect a large font
 

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:

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."

Image of First Search home screen

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.

Image of database list



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

Image of advanced search screen

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.

Image of results screen


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 Image of SFX button button.  Image of SFX button will tell you how and where to obtain your item.



Image of detailed record screen


Printing

To print a record or list, simply click on the Image of print button 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."

Image of print screen



Emailing

To Email a record to yourself, click on the Image of Email button 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."


Image of Email screen



For additional information or more detailed instructions, click on Image of Help button at any time.

 

Content maintained by Leslie Andersen, Arts Librarian