FAQ
Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about IGI Global e-resources. If additional support is needed, please review the Search Tips
Q: What is the best Internet browser to use when searching IGI Global databases?
A: IGI Global databases are web-based and require a browser. Although it is not required, for the best user experience, users may prefer Internet Explorer 7 or higher, FireFox 3.x, Chrome, Opera, etc.
Q: What is the citation format of search results within the databases?
A: APA format, the Information Science and Technology standard, is the citation format chosen for use within the research.
Q: Are search terms case sensitive?
A: No - results will be returned regardless of case.
Q: When I complete a search, what information can I view?
A: The The database offers two types of search results per record: XML/HTML (which is easily navigated with tabs) and full-text PDFs (which are preferable for saving, coping, or printing). For ease of navigation, the option to view the full publication is on the left navigation.
Q: What do the icons in the database mean?
A: The icons within the database have the following meanings:
PDF
Abstract
Full-Text
Q: How can I print just the search results or abstract and not the surrounding website frame? A: Print from the full-text PDF viewing option.
Q: How can I search for American and European spellings of words at the same time, without conducting two different searches?
A: To locate both spellings of a word or term, use a wildcard. For example, search for organi* to locate words such as organize, organize, organization, organization. “Smart” searching is also enabled in the databases.
Q: How do I initiate a Basic Search?
A: This search is initiated by entering a keyword. Boolean search terms such as "and", "not", "or", and "near" may all be used, as well as exact search using quotations.
Q: What items are searched for results in a Basic Search? A: The search works by looking for the word entered in the following areas:
- Title
- Subtitle
- Abstract/Summary
- Keyword list
- Full-text of research
Q: What Wildcards can be used when searching?
A: The (asterisk) * may be used as a wildcard in Basic and Expert Searches.
Q: How do I initiate an Expert Search? A: This portion of the expert search is initiated by entering a keyword into one or more of the first three search term boxes.
Q: How can I expand my search by using Boolean operators?
A: Users may search by specifying search terms in the available fields and combining them with Boolean operators as listed below:
- Or: At least one of the words must be found
- Not: None of the words should be found
- Exact: The phrase must be found exactly as it is entered
- If search text is in more than one search field, the requirements for each field must be met.
- Ex: Given that keyword field 1 contains "world history" with a "AND" search type, and keyword field 2 contains "Washington Lincoln" with a "OR" search type, the following must be true for a document to be returned:
The search field must contain "world" and the search field must contain "history". Also, the search field must contain either "Washington" or "Lincoln".
Q: What other options do I have for sorting my Expert Search results?
A: The default search result order sorts by relevancy according to a ranking. Users may sort in ascending OR descending order in the following ways when using Expert Search:
Should you have any additional questions, discover technical problems or need assistance related to IGI Global e-resources, please contact: eresources@igi-global.com 717-533-8845 ext. 131