First Search at WSCU
What is First Search?
OCLC’s First Search is an interactive online information system that gives you timely information about books, journal articles, films, and other material in a variety of subject areas. The Worcester State subscription provides access to 6 databases which complement the Library’s collection of print and other online indexes. There are links to library collections worldwide as well as indexing and abstracting of articles from popular and scholarly journals. First Search offers seamless electronic access to more than 10 million full-text and full-image articles.
Who Can Search It?
Students and faculty have access to First Search by using the computer next to the Reference Desk in the Library only - there is no longer remote access available. If you cannot find appropriate print indexes within the WSU Library, or subject specific databases on our Library website, then a librarian can assist you in using First Search. There is no fee for using this service, but search costs can add up quickly and deplete our allotment for other users. So, if you have never used the service before, we ask that you receive some brief instruction first. Again, there is no fee for using this service if you are a WSU faculty member or student currently enrolled in classes at Worcester State University.
Getting the Best Search
Whether you use First Search on your own or with a reference librarian’s assistance, you can start by doing a little homework! Try OCLC's First Search Using a Practice Database – this free practice set has subsets of World Cat (6,000 records), GPO Monthly Catalog (49,000 records) and Article First (5,000 records). This way, you can map out what you need matched with what search terms and databases are available. Time spent in preparing a good plan will help you make the most efficient use of your online time connected to the service.
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Databases We Can Access via our First Search subscription -
Please note that databases via the First Search Service can only be accessed from the library computer next to the Reference Desk
- ArticleFirst - (1990+) OCLC index of articles from the contents pages of journals
- ClasePeriodica - (1978+) Index of Latin American journals in the sciences and humanities
- E-books -
- ECO - (1995+) An OCLC collection of scholarly journals
- PapersFirst - (1993+) OCLC index of papers presented at conferences worldwide
- Proceedings - (1993+) an OCLC index of worldwide conference proceedings
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