 Search with CrossSearch
CrossSearch is the UNSW@ADFA implementation of software called
Metalib. It is a search portal which can be used to search
a range of databases, library catalogues, search engines, subject
gateways, eprint servers, and other resources.
You can search many of the databases using a common CrossSearch
search screen; searching as many as 8 different databases simultaneously
(with automatic removal of duplicate results).
The advantage is a single search form that saves you from
having to interrogate up to 8 different interfaces.
You will always have the option here of searching every resource
through its own native interface. This will sometimes be desirable
when you need to access the special functionality of a particular
database. Most databases will have some level of funtionality
that can only be exploited by searching in the native interface.
If your preference is always to have access to this additional
functionality - stick with the native interface.
Understand that CrossSearch works by translating your search
query into a format that can be processed by the target databases.
This process is not perfect in all instances. If you have doubts
about the results obtained through CrossSearch, you are advised
to go back to the native interface.
Browser requirements for using CrossSearch
CrossSearch requires Internet Explorer 5.0+ (PC only!) or
Safari (for Mac users)
Find it
"Find it" (using context-sensitive linking)
is the software that integrates with CrossSearch to provide
links
to the
full text and other options for obtaining the original
item. (more about Find it)
In the UNSW@ADFA implementation, it is represented
(and activated) by the "Find-it" button 
Click the "Find-it" button on the CrossSearch brief
record or full record to see the menu.
The menu will provide options for obtaining the original
item, including links to the full text if it is available.
Special Note re SFX at UNSW
(Kensington) and UNSW@ADFA.
Context-sensitive linking is not exclusive to CrossSearch,
but is offered from other sources. If an "SFX" button
appears within a particular resource which UNSW@ADFA shares
with UNSW at Kensington, it will then link to the UNSW
"SFX" menu.
If this
happens, the best course of action is to exit from the
UNSW menu. Some of the links provided by the UNSW SFX menu
may work
for you, but please bear in mind that you may be denied
legitimate fulltext
access if you choose this route.
Logging in ... (using CrossSearch)
Log in is via your staff/student number and your ADFA password.
Currently access is only available to Academy staff and students.
Guest users can also log in (as a guest) to browse the resources
that are available. However they will not be able to access
resources in CrossSearch that are of a proprietary nature.
The Search Screen ... (using CrossSearch)
When you first log in you will default to the main search
screen. Your first option is to search one of the three Quick
Sets. In the first instance, CrossSearch defaults to the 'Business & Management'
Quick Set. If you set up your own list of preferred databases,
then these will become the default search target.
The Quick Sets ... (using CrossSearch)
The Quick Sets are collections of databases (pre-selected
by the Library) containing substantial amounts of full-text
material. The goal of the Quick Sets is to make it quick and
easy for novice students to immediately retrieve full-text
material. Keep in mind that many of the Library databases are
bibliographic only databases with no full text links. All they
will provide is a list of bibliographic citations, requiring
you to chase up the full text elsewhere. This is the appeal
of the Quick Sets. They maximize the probability of you retrieving
the full text.
Why go beyond the Quick Sets then?
Keep in mind that the Quick Sets do not guarantee that you
are doing a comprehensive literature search for your particular
topic. If your intention is to conduct a comprehensive literature
search, it is recommended that you look at the full range of
databases that are available in the relevant subject 'Categories'.
But if you just want 'some' articles, and you want to obtain
them with a minimum of bother, the Quick Sets are recommended.
Some students may think it odd that there is an absence of
a "military" Quick Set. Unfortunately, the military databases
that are available do not lend themselves to searching through
the common search form in CrossSearch.
My Databases ... (using CrossSearch)
My Databases List is your personal list of favourite resources.
Once you have set up your preferred list of resources, CrossSearch
will default to this list every time you log in.
To add new resources to My Databases List, you will first
need to locate them using the 'Locate', 'Find Database', or
'Categories' functionality, then click the Add icon  next to the resource
name.
In a list of resources, the icon  shows that a
resource has already been 'added to My Databases'.
To delete a resource from 'My Databases' it is necessary to
go into the 'My Space' area, then click 'My Databases' and
then find and click the relevant delete icon 
Locating Resources ... (using CrossSearch)
There are two different methods for locating resources.
Option 1 (screen shot below) is to use the 'Find
Database' functionality that is available via the top
menu bar of the CrossSearch screen.
|
Option 2 (right screen shot) is to use the
'Locate' menu that is available via the drop down menu
in the main Search screen |
 |
To browse a list of the resources/databases in your subject
area ... (using CrossSearch)
There are two different methods for retrieving a list of the
resources/databases in your subject area.
Option 1 (screen shot below) is to use the 'Find Database'
functionality that is available via the top menu bar of the
CrossSearch screen.
Select the tab bar marked ... 'Category'
The main subject categories will display on the left hand
side. Some have been further subdivided into sub-categories,
which will display on the right (as per the following screen
shot)
The numbers you see displayed after each sub-category, indicate
the number of resources/databases that are currently listed
under each sub-category.
A database/resource may be listed under more than one subject
and also under more than one sub-category.
Every main subject category will include the Academy Library
online catalogue.
Option 2 (screen shot below) is to go via the 'Identify
database' drop down menu that is available within the main
'Search' function.
Make sure that you are in 'Search' mode. Click on the drop
down menu and select the option labelled 'Subject Categories'
A second drop-down menu will appear, enabling you to select
from a list of subjects. Some have been further subdivided
into sub-categories which will display underneath.
If the main subject category has not been subdivided into
sub-categories, the word 'general' will display in the 'Sub-categories'
box.
To browse a list of resources/databases by title ... (using
CrossSearch)
There are two different methods for retrieving a list of the
resources/databases sorted by title.
Option 1 is to use the 'Find Database' functionality
that is available via the top menu bar of the CrossSearch screen.
Select 'Find Database' . You will default to the 'Titles'
search pane (screen shot below)
The alphabetical search bar will enable you to list all the
available resources, letter by letter.
The 'Title' search box underneath will enable you to do a
direct search on the name of the resource.
You also have the option (see following screen shot) of perusing
the entire gamut of available resources in a single alphabetical
list (from A to Z). Simply select the 'Database List' option
in the second tab bar.
Option 2 (right screen shot) is to go via the
'Identify database' drop down menu that is available
within the main 'Search' function.
Make sure that you are in 'Search' mode. Click on
the drop down menu and select the option labelled 'Locate'.
The search pane that you see on the right should appear.
In the 'Title' search box, you have the option of
searching on the name of the resource (either in part
or in whole; ie type in the full name of the resource,
or type in a keyword from the name)
In the 'Database Vendor' search box you have the option
of searching on the name of the publisher of that resource.
|
|
To browse a list of the resources/databases by type ... (using
CrossSearch)
There are two different methods for retrieving a list of the
resources/databases, grouped by 'type'.
Option 1 is to use the 'Find Database' functionality
that is available via the top menu bar of the CrossSearch screen.
Select 'Find Database' . You will default to the 'Titles'
search pane
Select the tab bar marked ... 'Locate'. The following search
pane will appear.
Click on the 'Select Type' drop down menu.
This will give you a browsable list of resource 'types' (as
per the following screen shot)
The currently available resource types are: conference listings
/ databases / electronic book collections / Academy Library
newsletters / library catalogues / online newspapers / listings
of organisations / preprint repositories / reference aids /
search engines / technical standards / statistical collections
/ subject guides / theses databases / web gateways.
Option 2 (right screen shot) is to go via the
'Identify database' drop down menu that is available
within the main 'Search' function.
Make sure that you are in 'Search' mode. Click on
the drop down menu and select the option labelled 'Locate'.
The search pane that you see on the right should appear.
In the 'Select Type' drop down menu (at the bottom)
you have the option of selecting from a browsable list
of resource types
|
|
To browse a list of resources/databases that are new or
on trial ... (using CrossSearch)
Make sure that you are in 'Search' mode. Click on the drop
down menu and select the option labelled 'New Databases'
As per the following screen shot, those resources that are
newly acquired will be tagged as 'New'. Those databases that
are only on trial, will be tagged as 'Trial'.
For trials, the date on which a trial will terminate will
be found in the information screen. 
"Searchable" resources and "Link to" resources ... (using
CrossSearch)
At least half of the databases listed in the CrossSearch
portal can be searched using the CrossSearch common
'Search' form. When you are in the 'Search' function
these CrossSearch receptive resources will be indicated
with a checkbox at the left of the resource name (as
shown in the adjacent screen shot).
Use your cursor to place a tick in the relevant checkbox.
This nominates that database as a search target for
the CrossSearch common search form. You can nominate
up to 8 different databases for simultaneous searching.
|
 |
In the Quick Sets, by default, all of the databases
are already nominated for searching.
Outside of the Quick Sets, some of the databases (about
50% at present) cannot be searched through the CrossSearch
search form. These resources do not have a checkbox.
You will need to search these resources through their
native interface. You can link to the native interface
by placing your cursor over the name of the resource,
and clicking. Be confident that the number of databases
searchable through the CrossSearch search form will
increase over time. But it will generally be recommended
by the Library that if you need to be thorough in your
searches, you should utilize the native interface of
the relevant database. The native interface will almost
always offer you a level of functionaility that is
not available to you with the CrossSearch common search
form. |
Linking to the "native interface" ... (using CrossSearch)
All of the resources listed in CrossSearch can be accessed
and searched through their native interface. Even where they
are receptive to CrossSearch, it will sometimes be preferable
to go through the native interface in order to exploit certain
types of functionality. You can link to the native interface
by placing your cursor over the name of the resource, and clicking.
It is generally recommended that academic staff and research
students (people who have a greater need to be comprehensive
in their literature searches) should become familiar with the
native search interfaces of the core databases in their subject
area.
Information about a resource ... (using CrossSearch)
Click the Information icon to get details about a resource,
including search tips.
Searching multiple resources/databases simultaneously ... (using
CrossSearch)
Within the 'Search' function, those resources that appear
with a "check box" can be searched using the common
CrossSearch search form.
You can search one database, or you may search as many as
8 simultaneously.
The first step is to locate the databases you wish to search.
Make your selection by clicking one or more checkboxes (as
shown on
the right).
In the Quick Sets, by default, all of the databases are already
pre-nominated for
searching.
After selecting your search targets, enter your search term/s
in the search panel.
Simple search / Advanced search ... (using CrossSearch)
In the 'Search' function, CrossSearch defaults to 'Simple'
search. Here your option is to search one term or a phrase.
If you are searching on a phrase, do NOT insert it in inverted
commas. Simply type it in. By default, CrossSearch will translate
a multi-word string as a phrase. This term or phrase will then
be searched across all core fields in the target databases.
'Advanced' search gives you the option to specify the kind
of search (All Fields, Subject, Title, Author, etc). It also
enables you to combine searches on two different terms or phrases
After you have entered your search, click the 'GO' button.
For both Simple search and Advanced search it is possible
to refine your results by applying additional search terms
via the 'Refine Search' option. Unfortunately, there are a
few databases which will not process a 'Refine Search' command.
Truncation ... (using CrossSearch)
Use a question mark ? or an asterisk * to
truncate a search term. For example, comput? will
search for computer, computers, computing, computerisation,
and so on.
If you use truncation and the resource shows zero results
or shows an error it may not support truncation. This will
usually be stated in the resource information .
Viewing (and understanding) the search results ... (using
CrossSearch)
After you enter your search, CrossSearch sends your search
query to the databases that you have nominated for searching
(up to a maximum of 8 different databases). CrossSearch allows
20 seconds to obtain the initial set of results.
Assuming you are searching multiple databases, CrossSearch
will attempt to open up a port to each of the databases that
you have nominated. But the fact is that CrossSearch does not
gain access to these databases at exactly the same time; and
the time that each database takes to respond to the query from
CrossSearch will also vary. The result is that CrossSearch
will get results from one or two databases before it gets results
from all the others.
So the first batch of results that displays in the 'Search
Results' screen may be sourced from just one or two databases
(even if you have searched as many as 8 resources).
Provided that the first batch of records obtained by CrossSearch
comes from a database using standard record formats, then they
will display in the 'Search Results' screen. The records will
display in Table View. You also have the option to display
them in Brief View or Full View.
If the first batch of results obtained by CrossSearch happens
to come from a database using non-standard record formats,
then it may be the case that they will not actually display
in the 'Search Results' screen.
If you want to know whether more records are available
(than are actually displayed in the initial batch of results)
then click on 'results by databases'. A pop-up box will
tell you exactly what "hits" were obtained in
each of the databases searched. The totality of results
is often vastly larger than the first batch of records
that have displayed for you.
The new version of CrossSearch will provide an intermediate
screen between step 2 and the actual display of results. This
new screen will provide a summary of all the results that have
been obtained, for each search target. It will be clearly apparent
which targets have yielded a result and which have not (and
what those results are).
It will also be clear which results can only be displayed
by linking through to the target database. These results will
be indicated by a "Search and link" message appearing
in the "Status" colum.
If there is no "Search and link" note in the "Status" field,
then by clicking on the "View" link you will display
the records retrieved -- within CrossSearch.
Alternatively, if there is a "Search and link" note
in the "Status" field, then by clicking on the "View" link
you will be linked through to the records retrieved in your
search -- but you will be taken to the target database to see
them displayed. In the case of "Search and link",
understand that, at the point you are looking at the displayed
records, you are no longer in CrossSearch. The records will
display to you in a new pop-up screen and at this point, you
are in the target database. Only by closing down this pop-up
window can you return back to CrossSearch.
Some people get confused that, sometimes they are able to
see the results of their search displayed within CrossSearch,
and other times they need to go over to the target database
in order to see those search results. You simply need to understand
that not all records are the same. Those that adhere to a standard
format can be displayed in CrossSearch. But those that are
of a non-standard format are not able to be displayed in CrossSearch.
The only way to see the latter is by linking through to the
target database.
The addition of this new "search results summary" screen
should make it clear beforehand, which of the above described
processes is going to get you to your records.
An example of the new summary screen is shown below:
Getting more records ... (using CrossSearch)
Once you have browsed to the end of this first batch of records
(you can choose to jump to the last record by typing in the
last record number) a GET MORE button will appear at the bottom
of the screen.
Clicking on this button will relaunch the search to retrieve
additional records. It tends to be the case that a better mix
of records is obtained in this second sweep of the databases
(often the first search will give you a set of displayed results
that comes from one source only!). The new set of records will
be fully recompiled and resorted. The new records in this recompiled
set will be bolded.
Record Ranking ... (using CrossSearch)
In most instances (unless you are only searching one resource)
the records displayed will be sorted according to a relevance
ranking algorithm. The relevance ranking takes into consideration
such factors as:
- the location of the search term/s in the retrieved record
- the frequency of occurrence of the search terms
- a local Library controlled database weighting
If you are searching in only one resource, the relevance ranking
algorithm will not activate. Instead, the records will be displayed
in whatever order is the sort default in that particular database.
The 'Find-it' button and Options menu ... (using
CrossSearch)
Every record displayed is accompanied by a 'Find-it' button. 
The 'Find-it' button launches context-sensitive linking
software, capable of reaching in to the target database
and linking directly to the original item if it is available
in full
text.
Clicking on the Find-it button, in the first instance,
will bring up an 'Options' menu (see following screen shot).
The ' Options' menu will provide all available options
for obtaining the original item.
If you can be linked directly to the item,
it will be via an option headed ... "Full text available
via" [name
of service]
SAMPLE OF AN OPTIONS MENU
Linking to full text ... (using CrossSearch)
"Find it" will often present one or more links
to the full text (as per the example above).
Sometimes, because of technical limitations of some resources,
it may only be able to link you to the journal table of
contents page for the relevant issue, or the journal home
page, or the
database search page (which will always be the case with
Factiva). The article year, volume, issue and start page
shown on the
options menu will help you to locate the full text article
in these cases.
When you activate the full text linking option, it opens
the link to the item in a new window. You may need to log
in again before accessing the full text.
Even if "Find it" doesn't find any full text links, full
text may still be available. The linking software does
not
work
perfectly for all databases.
If "Find it" finds no full text links you can try the
other options to...
- Check holdings in Academy Library UNSW@ADFA catalogue
for a book, journal or conference proceeding that may be available
online or in print
- Check holdings in UNSW@ADFA "Find an e-journal
title"
for a journal that may be available online through a database that
was not part of your target search set
- Request document via Inter-Library Loan"
for an item that may be held by another Library
- Find related information in a web search engine
for an item that may be freely available on the web
Search error messages ... (using CrossSearch)
Occasionally a search will timeout and show a TIME OUT message.
If this happens, try again later.
You may also see a message telling you that a temporary
problem has occurred. If this happens, try again later.
If you consistently get an error message for a resource,
please let us know via the online 'Ask-Us' form  .
If you get an error when searching a resource using the CrossSearch
'Search' function, you can usually circumvent it by connecting
to the resource's "native interface".
Saving records to your eShelf ... (using CrossSearch)
Every record is accompanied by an "add to eShelf basket" button 
By simply clicking on the "add to eShelf basket" button,
you will transfer a copy of the record into your personal eShelf.
Your eShelf is a permanent place you can use to save records.
When you log off, everything you have copied to your eShelf
will be retained.
To display the contents of your eShelf you will need to go
into "My Space" (click on the "My Space" button
at the top of the main menu; then click on 'eShelf')
You are able to move eShelf records into different folders
by using the 'Save to eShelf' function
You can also email eShelf records, or save them into your
local system, by using the "Email/Save selected records" button
Saving records directly to your local system ... (using
CrossSearch)
In the 'Full View' display format, you have the option to
save a copy of the record directly to your local system (without
having to first save it to eShelf).
Click on the 'save record' icon 
By default, records are saved in Standard (plain text) format.
If you wish to receive records in EndNote format, then change
the record format (via the drop-down menu) to 'Citation manager'.
An alternative format is MARC21 (not recommended for most
users).
Sending records by email ... (using CrossSearch)
In the 'Full View' display format, you have the option to
email a copy of the record.
Click on the 'send to' icon 
Enter the 'Subject', 'Recipient's email', and an optional
'Comment'.
By default, records are emailed in Standard (plain text) format.
An alternative format is MARC21 (not recommended for most
users).
Saving a search ... (using CrossSearch)
During your search session, all the searches you run are recorded,
in the order you do them, in 'Previous Searches'. But this
is not a durable record. The 'Previous Searches' log only lasts
for the duration of your online session.
You have the option here of permanently saving any of these
searches so that you can run them again at a later date.
Simply click on the 'Add to saved searches' icon
All your saved searches are then stored (permanently) in your
'My Space' area.
You can delete them by clicking on the 'Delete' icon
You can amend them by clicking on the 'Edit' icon 
Alerts - searches that you can run automatically on a regular
basis ... (using CrossSearch)
Alerts are searches you can schedule to automatically run
in CrossSearch and email you the results. You can have them
run every day, or every week or every month.
You can create as many alerts as you want to. They are saved
in your 'Saved Searches' file.
To set up a new alert, follow these simple steps:
- First create and run a search. (This will be logged in
'Previous Searches')
- Click on 'Previous Searches'
- Save the search that you wish to form the basis of your
alert. Simply click on the 'Add to saved searches' icon for
the relevant search
- Click on 'My Space'
- Click on 'Saved Searches'
- Find the search of interest. Click on the 'Alert' icon
 for
that particular search.
- Enter details in the pop-up form, such as an alert name,
your email address, how often you want to run your alert,
and if you want to receive a message even if there are no
new records for your alert.
- Click Submit.
You will receive an email message every time your alert is
run and has found new records. [If there are no new records
you will only receive an email alert if you clicked YES to
the quesion: "Do you want a message even if there are no new
results?"]
The email alert that you receive will comprise a link. When
you click on this link you relaunch the search. The results
will include both old and new material.
Beware! The new material will not necessarily appear at the
top of the list of retrieved results (depending on how the
records have been sorted). If the results were sorted by relevance
ranking, it is recommended that you re-sort the results in
chronological order. This way, the new material is more likely
to appear first.
My Space ... (using
CrossSearch)
The area designated 'My Space' is where you:
1. will find items that you have copied to your personal eShelf
2. can set up your own list of preferred databases (which, once set
up, will become the default search target each time you log in)
3. can save search queries for future re-use (including the ability
to convert them into regular alerts)
4. can change some of the basic display settings
Finding Journals ... (using CrossSearch)
Select the 'Find e-Journals/Articles' function in the first
tab bar.
The following screen should appear:
In the right hand search pane above you have the option of
searching on a known journal title, searching on the ISSN number
of a particular journal, or alternatively (lower right) of
browsing by Ulrich's subject category.
For each journal that is listed, all the options for accessing
that particular journal will be indicated (including whether
it is held in hardcopy in the Library).
There will be thousands of e-journals listed here that do
not appear in the main Academy Library Catalogue!
Just be aware that at this point you have left CrossSearch
(hence the lack of CrossSearch menu options).
Finding the electronic full text of an individual article,
when you have the full or partial citation details ... (using
CrossSearch)
Select the 'Find e-Journals/Articles' function in the first
tab bar.
The following screen should appear:
Go to the form on the right labelled 'Find an article' and
fill in as much of the citation detail as you can. You must
enter either the title of the journal, or alternatively, the
ISSN number of the journal. Execute the search (click the 'Find-it'
button). Provided that the article is held in a full-text electronic
repository that we subscribe to, then it is likely to be found.
If you were unable to retrieve the full text, you should then
check to see whether it is held in the Academy Library collection
in hardcopy (or accessible online in a service that cannot
be retrieved from here).
So the next course of action is to search for available holdings
of the relevant journal, via the 'Find a journal' form on the
right.
|
