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/.