Frequently Asked Questions
Known Bugs
- In a few cases the first character of a line in your citation may drop out.
- Within the "My Results" section of JHsearch our SFX button doesn't work.
In both cases the vendor, Ex Libris, is working to correct the problem.
- What is JHsearch?
- Who can use JHsearch?
- How do I log in to JHsearch off campus?
- What web browser should I use?
- What is the QuickStart feature?
- What is a QuickSet?
- Can I make my own QuickSet?
- What is the MetaSearch feature?
- What is the Find a Database feature?
- What if my favorite database is not here?
- What is the My Space feature?
- What do the icons mean?
- Why did JHsearch log me out?
- Where do I get help with JHsearch?
1. What is JHsearch?
JHsearch is a new search engine that allows you to search across several databases or electronic resources at one time. Use JHsearch to find journal articles, books, or databases that are available on your research topics.
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2. Who can use JHsearch?
Anyone on a Hopkins campus can use JHsearch. Current students, faculty, and staff can also use JHsearch off campus. Non-Hopkins affiliates can sign in as a Guest and use any of our free resources such as the JHU Libraries Catalog.
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3. How do I log in to JHsearch from off campus?
In order to use JHSearch from off campus, users need to go through the VPN, a service run by IT@JH. See: http://it.jhu.edu/remoteaccess.html.
For more information about connecting to JHsearch remotely, see the Libraries trouble-shooting guide, at http://www.library.jhu.edu/services/computing/raulfaq.html.
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4. What web browser should I use?
The minimum browser versions supported are: Internet Explorer 6.0, Firefox 1.0.4, Mozilla 1.7.8, Safari 2.0, and Netscape 8.0.
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5. What is the QuickSearch feature?
QuickSearch is a Google-like search engine that searches a subset of the Libraries? scholarly, academic resources. QuickSearch is a great place to start your research. Hopkins librarians have pre-selected databases within broad disciplines to create QuickSets; these are good starting points for your research. Using QuickSearch, you can search across those databases simultaneously and quickly retrieve a list of citations to relevant references.
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6. What is a QuickSet?
A QuickSet is a pre-determined group of databases selected by Hopkins librarians who are familiar with the databases in that specific field. Each topic on the QuickSearch page represents one QuickSet.
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7. Can I make my own QuickSet?
Yes, if there isn't a QuickSet that fits your topic you can put your own set of databases together. You would then use the MetaSearch feature to search your QuickSet. Instructions on how to do this are available in the JHsearch Tutorial.
It is important to note that any QuickSet you create will be deleted after your session is terminated.
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8. What is the MetaSearch feature?
MetaSearch allows you to create your own QuickSet. With MetaSearch your research topic determines the databases in your personal QuickSet. Choose the databases in your set by browsing a list of databases or search for your databases by category.
For example, if you are researching teaching methods for children with learning disabilities, you could choose the subject of Education and then select ERIC, Education Full Text, and PsycINFO, then search all 3 of the databases in JHsearch. Your results are a combined list of citations from all three sources.
However, if you are trying to do an exhaustive literature search it is best to consult with a librarian for other databases to search. Remember not all of the databases and electronic resources the Libraries subscribe to are available through JHsearch.
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9. What is the Find a Database feature?
Find a Database allows you to locate and access a database by exact title, title keywords, or category. Browse alphabetically or by subject area to discover databases that are relevant to a specific discipline or topic.
Note: While JHsearch contains many of the databases subscribed to by the Hopkins Libraries however, not all resources are in JHsearch at at this time. For complete coverage of all electronic resources, please search the JHU Libraries Catalog or the e-resources lists at your specific campus library.
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10. What if my favorite database is not here?
While many of the Hopkins Libraries databases work with JHsearch, some not configured to work with JHsearch. Both the Hopkins librarians and the company that makes the software that runs JHsearch are working with resource providers to add more databases to JHsearch. The Hopkins Libraries are also part of an international user group of libraries that have implemented this software system. This group collaborates to increase awareness of product customizations and communication with resource providers.
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11. What is the My Space feature?
JHsearch offers a My Space feature that allows you to temporarily store your search results. Before you log out make sure you save or print your citations from that session.
In the future, you will be able to log in to JHsearch with your JHED ID. The My Space feature will then allow you to permanently store citations and QuickSets you create.
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12. What do the icons mean?
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add this item |
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this item has been added |
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delete this item |
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delete this item |
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e-mail this record |
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information about this item (description, faq, etc) |
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name or re-name this item |
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create a new folder |
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save this citation |
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save this citation |
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13. Why did JHsearch log me out?
JHsearch times out automatically after 15 minutes of no activity. It is best to email, save or print long articles rather than read them while logged in to JHsearch.
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14. Where do I get help with JHsearch?
If you are in a library contact that library's Information or Reference Desk. If you are off campus contact the Reference Department of your library.
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