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Navigating an EBSCO Database

The EBSCO collection of databases all have the same look and feel, but can contain different types of information. This tutorial provides a generic overview of the features found inside all EBSCO databases.

Standard Layout

The standard layout for an EBSCO database includes the following features:

1. A standard banner across the top of the screen which displays the following options:

  • New search
  • Publications 
  • Subject terms
  • Cited references
  • More (images and indexes)

The right side of this banner also includes options for account creation, viewing and language preferences, and help.

2. A search box in the center of the screen, which defaults to a Basic search.

3. Advanced search options can be activated by clicking the Search Options and Advanced Search links located near the search box.


The following image shows the entry page to an EBSCO database:

Image shows the standard toolbar with new search, publications, subject terms, cited references, and more (images) options, as well as links for account creation, language and viewing preferences. A search box is displayed in the center of the screen with additional advanced search options available through links surrounding the search box.

Search Page View

The search results list is uniform across all EBSCO platforms. It contains the following:

  • Refine Results (left panel) 

Limit items to only full text, peer reviewed, by year, by publication type, and numerous other options in this panel.

  • Search Results (center panel)

View the list of search results, sorted by relevance by default, with options to change the way those materials are sorted in your list. 

  • Additional Features (right panel, sometimes hidden)

Unfold the Additional Features panel to view related news and images which apply to your search.


The following image shows the standard view of the search results page:

Image shows the refine results, search results, and additional features panels.

Item View

Resources in an EBSCO database display in the following formats:

  • Full Text Finder

Items may be indexed in EBSCO, but not completely available through an EBSCO database. When that happens, a Full Text Finder link will lead you to other databases or publisher websites where the information may be available.

  • HTML

HTML documents are created as though they are being typed directly on the computer screen. Many HTML formatted resources also contain screen reader capability

  • PDF

PDF documents are scanned directly from the original publication. PDF resources often contain a Table of Contents for the journal or book.

 

You can also request an item through the Interlibrary Loan icon.  This allows the library to retrieve items from other institutions.  However, these are not always guaranteed and can take days to process.