Multiple database search
With multiple database search you can search multiple full text ejournal and ebook databases simultaneously ('cross searching') and display the results in a single list. You can search using pre-made resource sets (Quick Sets), or pick up to 12 resources to cross search. If you login using your Griffith snumber and password, you can save article references permanently and store your own sets of resources to cross search in future.
Cross searching is done in the SuperSearch tab. Over 140 of the library's electronic resources can be cross searched, including most of the major, popular full text ejournal databases.
The links below go to the SuperSearch area and show a list of all the resources that can be cross searched. Tick the checkboxes of up to 12 resources to make a set to search. From the left hand pulldown menus you can also display lists of resources by subject, and choose resources from those lists.
- Multiple database search (Griffith students and staff)
- Multiple database search (Guest user access, off-campus)
A guide on how to use multiple database search is available.
Off-campus guest (non-Griffith) users of multiple database search will find that access to some resources and features is restricted. Resources displaying a gold padlock icon are unavailable to off-campus non-Griffith users.
About cross searching
Cross searching works by sending a single search request to the chosen resources and retrieving and displaying all the results in a single list. This can take some time, so be patient while the progress screen is refreshing. After several refreshes, a summary list of results will display, and you'll automatically be taken to the references that have been retrieved.
Sometimes a resource will not return results. There may be a problem connecting to the resource at that time. Error messages will display against resources that can't be connected to or searched properly.
Because different resources have a variety of database structures and searching rules, precise advanced searches aren't always possible when cross searching. Generally it's best to keep your searches simple. Multiple database search can be a good place to begin looking for references on a topic, and may satisfy your needs.
To do more sophisticated searching on complex topics, or as a follow up to your cross searching, you should consider using the native interfaces of the individual databases and resources. (You can get to these using the library databases directory, or, from multiple database search, you can click on the names of resources to access them.)
For more assistance using multiple database search, contact the library helpdesk.