Help

Getting Started

Using the Main Screen

There are more than 32 databases and many Kentucky library catalogs to search.

What is a library catalog? A library catalog is a record of all the items (books, journal titles, and more) that a library owns. It gives you brief information about the item and information about how you can locate that item in the library. If you see something that you would like in a catalog, talk with you local librarian about how you can get it. Often it can be delivered to your library in a matter of days.

What is a database? In a library, the word database refers to indexes of articles published in magazines and specialized academic journals. KYVL provides access to over 32 databases. Most databases provide access to articles published in magazines and journals, but some are more specialized. For example, Grolier's Multimedia Encyclopedia, an online encyclopedia with links to photographs, sound clips, and video.

Databases provide you with a record containing brief bibliographic information (the author, title, journal, date published). Some records also give you an abstract, or brief description, of the article.

Some databases provide you with a links to the full text of articles. Not all records have a link to full text. To learn more about full text searching see "Limiting to Full text" under Advanced Searching in these help pages.

Through these databases provided by KYVL, you have access to the full text of over 5000 journals.

The Navigation Bar

Along the top of the screen you will see the navigation bar. The navigation bar appears there throughout all of your searches, and is designed to help you find your way through the site.

	The Start Over button returns you to the main page.
	The Database List button takes you to a list of all catalogs and databases that are available through KYVL. You will see this same list when you click on "Select a Single Catalog or Database." Learn more about "Select a Single Catalog or Database."
	Once you have searched a database or group of databases, clicking on the New Search button returns you to the basic keyword search screen in the same database or group of databases.
	Once you have completed several searches you can go back to see what they were by clicking on the Search History button. Learn more about "Search History."
	As you search you can mark records that you want to print or email to someone's email account. This button allows you to see those records that you have marked. Learn more about "View Marked Records."
	The Help button is takes you to give brief information on how to best search. You're reading a Help Screen right now! .
	When you are done searching, choose the Exit button to exit KYVL.

Selecting an Individual Catalog or Database

When you click on the pink button, you are shown a list of all the catalogs and databases available through KYVL:

To search a database or catalog, click on the name of the database. Any database with a next to it contains some full text. You can click on the to get information about the database (like the subject and date coverage, title lists if they are available, and more).
See Simple, Advanced and Search Results to learn more about how to search.

Choosing a database that's right for my question

When you select the Select a Single Catalog or Database button, you will see the icon. Click on this icon to see a description of the database.

A database description includes information about

• Subject coverage
• Full text coverage
• Indexing and abstracting information
• List of titles covered (if available)
• Features
• Vendor

Selecting a Database Group

The six buttons in the center of the page provide access to several databases at once. When you click on one of these buttons you will see that all the databases in the group are selected with a check mark. If you wish to remove a database from the group, simply remove the check mark. Type your search in the text box to the right.

To learn more about searching see the Simple, Advanced and Search Results sections.

Creating your own Database Group

You can tailor your own group of databases and catalogs to suit your research needs.

• Choose the blue Create My Own Group of Catalogs and Databases button.
• Name the database group anything you want in the text box at the top.
• Check the boxes next to the databases and catalogs you wish to include in one search.
• Click the Go! button to begin searching your group.
• To learn more about searching see the Simple, Advanced and Search Results sections.

If you decide to search another group or single database, click on the Start Over button to return to the main Catalogs and Databases page.

Back on the main page, you will notice that your database group is listed in the lower left corner This group will not be permanently saved. It will disappear when you end your session (by exiting, closing the browser or remaining idle for more than 10 minutes).

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