Milne Library News

Central Search is a search engine that lets users search multiple databases simultaneously from a single interface, commonly known as federated searching. Central Search can scan over 30 Milne Library databases including Academic Search Elite and JSTOR, as well as the library catalog and WorldCat. You can search all the databases at once, or select specific databases from the list. The results list links you directly to the article citation in the respective database.

This is an good way to conduct a broad search on a topic. And because the results are listed alphabetical by database, it’s easy to spot which databases have the most resources on your topic, leading you to the most appropriate databases to do an in-depth search on that topic. Serious research should not end with Central Search, since its search abilities are fairly simplistic and won’t allow the kind sophisticated searching you can do within a specific database. We’d recommend you try it, with the caveat that at present it’s inconsistent, quirky, and very spotty in the results it presents. We’d welcome your feedback on Central Search. Send an email to Ask a Librarian or call the Reference Desk at 436-2722.

Due to technical restrictions, not every database the library subscribes to can be included in the Central Search list. Lexis-Nexis is a noteworthy example. Consequently, it’s important to continue to refer to the Alphabetical List of Databases and the Subject List of Databases from the library’s home page.

Central Search can be found on the top of the Alphabetical List of Databases or at http://ma2pk9gl9z.cs.serialssolutions.com/.

Remember those old green paper indexes you used to have to use in elementary school (and maybe even in high school)? Those floppy-covered books were called the Reader's Guide to Periodic Literature and basically what they did was let you find articles in magazines like Time and Ladies Home Journal and National Geographic. Well, it's back, but this time without the cumbersome green books. The library now has access to an online version of these indexes from 1890 through 1982. This can be a very valuable resource for history, sociology, communication, and anything involving popular culture. This index does not include the full text of the articles, but ask a librarian and receive quick assistance in locating the articles.

Reader's Guide Retrospective 1890 - 1982

Looking for a quiet place to study? Milne Library has responded to requests for more quiet study areas by designating the entire third floor as an absolute quiet area, effective immediately. New signs remind library users of the new classification. The absolute quiet designation applies to the third floor only. For students interested in working in groups, Milne Library has study tables and chairs as well as several specially designed Group Study Rooms. Jazzman’s Café is another good location for collegial conversation.