Can I choose a default search mode for FirstSearch?
Applies to
- FirstSearch
Answer
In the administrative module, you can specify the default search screen--Basic, Advanced, or Expert. Users can change the search screen during their search sessions if they do not want to use the default you select.
- The Basic search screen lets users type search words in a single box and choose one of a few main indexes.
- The Advanced search screen lets users type search words in multiple boxes, choose Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to combine search words, choose any available indexes, choose any available search limits, and choose options for ranking search results.
- The Expert search screen provides an area for users who prefer to type the elements of a search without system prompts. Sometimes a few highly specialized indexes are only listed in the Expert Search screen. These indexes can be searched within all search screens by placing the search label in front of the terms being searched. The search label overrides the index name displayed in the search box.
The Find related feature in FirstSearch helps users find additional records that match their latest search. The feature provides links to selected databases. If a user clicks the link to a database, FirstSearch performs the latest search in that database and displays the search results. The search may or may not find any records.
Each link shows the name of the database and the type of materials indexed. The link to a database is provided if all of the following are true:
- The database is available to your users
- Word-only indexes were used in the latest search (phrase-index searches are excluded)
- The database contains the same indexes as those used in the latest search
The Save Search feature in FirstSearch allows users to save their searches. If the user is not logged in to their personal account, they will be prompted to logon. They will then be able to access saved searches through the Searching tab in FirstSearch.
Use WorldCat Institution Records to select how institution records are searched and displayed in WorldCat. You may link to copies of an institution's record from the WorldCat record, which may include specifics on location, local call numbers or indexing, and local notes for that institution. These institution records will be the same as the regular bibliographic record, but the institution record will include that institution's unique local information as provided by that institution.
These settings affect all WorldCat and WorldCat related databases, including all group catalogs, Electronic Books and WorldCat Dissertation records.