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Research Basics: Use Library OneSearch

Develop a topic, use the library catalog and databases, evaluate and cite sources.

What is Library OneSearch?

Library OneSearch basic search interface

Library OneSearch is a discovery platform powered by Ex Libris Alma. Most of the library's owned and subscribed content can be discovered in one simple search, and results can be filtered to display the most useful content as determined by the user. SVCC library patrons can login to their accounts to view and renew checked out items, and they can also use OneSearch to find items in the I-Share catalog that are available to borrow from more than 80 academic and research libraries in Illinois. Find Library OneSearch here!

Advanced Search vs. Simple Search

Advanced Search functions include the following:
  • Search everything: or search the library catalog, databases, or the I-Share catalog
  • Field searching: use the Advanced Search interface to find your keywords in the Subject, Author, or Title fields
  • Material type: limit your search to books, articles, etc.
  • Publication date: search for works published within a date rang

Controlled Vocabulary for Precise Searching

Controlled vocabulary refers to standard terms to tag or classify similar information 

Ex: Global warming – Developing countries – Economic aspects

Can be the most efficient way to search

  • controlled vocabulary (subject heading) is assigned to a concept
  • use controlled vocabulary to search in the subject field of a record
  • catalog or database retrieves all of the information about that concept

Subject headings may be difficult to determine

  • the words you use to define a concept may not match the controlled vocabulary
  • when you retrieve a useful item, find the subject terms applied to that item in the item record and use those terms in subject searches
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