Point, Click, and Find a World of Information Online
WTS library
215-572-3821
IMAGINE HAVING ACCESS TO 23,000 LIBRARIES WORLDWIDE
Imagine being able to easily search the catalogs of the world’s libraries from one online catalog – and at the same time, search the journal literature in online databases or view full-text articles online. All of this is now a reality with OCLC FirstSearch service.
WHAT IS FIRSTSEARCH?
FirstSearch is an online reference system designed for library users to move easily through the online search process in just a few simple steps.
The cornerstone is the WorldCat database (the OCLC Online Catalog with millions of records). FirstSearch allows you to electronically search this incomparable database by subject, keyword, phrase, Boolean operators, and more. You’ll find books, serials, sound recordings, and a variety of materials owned by libraries worldwide. Each record includes library locations so you’ll know which libraries own the item you need.
You’ll have access to about 40 popular and scholarly databases spanning the arts and humanities, business and economics, education, news and current events, the sciences, the social sciences, and more.
DATABASE SEARCH TIPS
The databases differ in the way their information is indexed, but these general steps will get you started:
Enter your key search terms in the search boxes.
Click the drop-down list to see all the available indexes (author, subject, title, etc.). Then select the index in which you expect to find your terms and click on the Search button.
To view a detailed record, click on the title. Notice the subjects (or descriptors) that are listed—you will find additional records by clicking on relevant headings.
Mark records of interest by clicking the boxes in front of titles; this will assist in printing, emailing, or exporting your results.
Browse indexes to see exact subject headings. Select the index from the dropdown list, then click on the index icon to the right of the search boxes.
Symbols: Use a plus + to search for a word and its plural ending in s or es (fish+ finds fish and fishes). Use an asterisk * to search for a term and its variations (fish* finds fish, fishing, fishnets, etc.).
Online help is available at the top left menu, but don’t hesitate to ask a staff member for assistance.
ATLA RELIGION DATABASE ON FIRSTSEARCH
The most essential database in the library is now on FirstSearch.
Combining three ATLA print indexes (Religion Index One, Religion Index Two, and Index to Book Reviews in Religion), ATLA Religion Database supports religious and theological scholarship in graduate education and faculty research. It spans over 50 years with selected records going back to 1818.
• Includes indexing for over 700 periodicals titles.
• Contains links to full-text articles from 55 journals.
• Indexes book reviews that have appeared in journals.
• Gives access to essays and chapters in multiauthored works.
• Searches by author, title, subject, and Scripture reference.
To select more databases to supplement research in ATLA Religion, click on List Databases by Topics. Three of note:
Dissertations (from 1861 to the present)
AHSearch (cited authors and titles)
PapersFirst (papers presented worldwide)
DISCOVER WITH FIRSTSEARCH
FirstSearch can help you
• search up to three databases at once
• conduct in-depth research by subject
• compile a comprehensive list of works by author
• verify a unique book title
• obtain a list of articles on a certain subject
• browse through multiple records to help you choose a creative subject for your research
• locate hard-to-find dissertations
• find which sources have cited a specific scholar or your own writings
FULL-TEXT ARTICLES
WilsonSelect Plus (business, education, humanities, and science) is the largest full-text database, covering 1994 to the present. Both ATLA Religion (religion theology, and related subject areas), and Periodical Abstracts (general and academic journals in many disciplines) include some recent full-text articles.
HOW DO I ACCESS FIRSTSEARCH?
• On designated computers in the library, click on the ATLA via FirstSearch icon on the desktop.
• In the computer lab, click on the Internet Explorer icon, which will open at the library’s home page. Select Electronic Resources, then OCLC FirstSearch Service.
• WTS students, faculty, and staff may access FirstSearch from home; ask for passwords at the reference or circulation desk.
CONTACT YOUR LIBRARIAN FOR A DEMONSTRATION
For assistance with FirstSearch, make an appointment with Marsha Blake at wtslibrarystaff@wts.edu
Montgomery Library
Westminster Theological Seminary
AT WESTMINSTER
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
