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Searching
The database can be searched by keyword, title, or author/editor. Searches are performed
on terms as substrings; left and right truncation is part of all searches.
Anything entered into a search field is searched as a unit. Thus, in an author
search, entering "James Banks" will retrieve no hits, because the phrase with his
name only appears as "Banks, James". Alternatively, this author can also be searched for just by typing "Banks".
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Navigating
Navigation through this interface can be accomplished in two ways.
The first is a constant navigational bar at the bottom of most pages.
This will take the user to any of the established queries, this help page,
the introductory page, or the Chemistry Library home page.
The second navigational guide can be found on the
introductory page
in the form of a menu of options. This is the only way to get to the
data entry page; such a link would be a distraction to the average user
in the process of a data search.
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Interpreting Results
Queries retrieve a basic bibliographic data set for preliminary queries.
Each retrieved record, however, can be further looked at for 'details' in the form of
a listing of all the fields associated with that record. In this way,
the database better serves the two main groups of users: (1) the patrons,
who are interested primarily in the basic information and would be
distracted by clutter, and (2) the staff, who have a need for the additional
system information, e.g., ID numbers, etc.
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Finding Documents Retrieved in the DB Search
Records in the hit-set of a search include the call number of the specified item.
If this item is indeed in the IU Chemistry Library holdings, there
will be a phrase following the call number stating this fact. If a desired
document is not part of the IU Chemistry Library collection, a librarian
can aid the user (see the 'Further Help' section below) in finding alternate methods of access.
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Inserting Data
Data can be added to the database using the browser interface. This
feature is primarily for the staff of the IU Chemistry Library. The page in
this interface is currently in demo status due to security and other logistical
considerations.
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Further Help
Additional help with this database, the resources described herein, or
general reference can be obtained from Gary Wiggins by email at
wiggins@indiana.edu.
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