Searching Databases Using WebSPIRS

What is WebSPIRS and how do I connect to the WebSPIRS databases?

WebSPIRS is the search interface used for many bibliographic databases at the UW, including BIOSIS and Current Contents. Connect to Healthlinks: Databases and select a database. Access is restricted to computers with UW IP addresses, including those connecting through the Libraries Proxy Server and those using UWICK.

How do I perform a basic search?

• Type any word, number or phrase in the search box (shown below) and click on Search.
• Use an asterisk (*) to retrieve variations on a word, e.g. transplant* will retrieve records that include "transplants" and "transplantation."
• Use operators such as AND, OR, NEAR and NOT to combine topics in one search box.
• Date limits are available from the main search screen. Other limits vary across databases and may include language, types of publication, etc. Click Change (next to "No search limits set") to set limits for your search. Note: these limits remain in place until you change or clear them.

How can I search in a specific field? How do I know if a term is in the database?

• Terms are searched in all fields unless you use the pull-down menu next to the Find Terms box to specify author, title or subject.
• You can type in a term and qualify it with the field abbreviation, e.g. new-england-journal-of-medicine in so, to search a journal title. The Database Guide contains a list of fields and their abbreviations.
• Select a specific subject heading by clicking on the Thesaurus tab (if available) to browse through a list of subject headings specific to that database.
• The Index button can be used to browse for specific terms in the database - a good way to check spelling of authors' names.

Can I combine separate searches or search steps?

Click on the Search History tab and combine search statements by using the check boxes.

You may also combine results by typing a search result number into a new search box, e.g. arthritis and #1.

Can I search across multiple databases?

Search multiple databases simultaneously by clicking on the Change button next to the View databases being searched box and select from the list of available databases. Note: searching more than one database at a time disables the Thesaurus.

How can I get the full text of a publication?

At the end of each citation, the WEBLH field provides a Check UW Holdings link which also provides document delivery options.

How do I display my search results?

Initial results are displayed twenty at a time. To change the number and fields displayed, click on Change Display box and select the information you want to see, then OK. Mark a record by checking the box next to it.

How do I print, save or email my search results?

• After you display your results and mark the records you wish to keep, click on the appropriate icon (for save, print or email).
• To import records into a software program such as EndNote, save them with short field labels (the default) and mark the Record Numbers & Database Name box. Select the WebSPIRS (or SilverPlatter) filter for the database from which the records came when performing the import.

What are the steps to create an automatic email update?

• Create your best search strategy, making sure it retrieves less than 1000 records and click on the Search History tab.
• Click on the Create SDI icon next to the search statement that represents your best search strategy.

• Enter your Personal User Name (or create one if this is your first time). Note: the Personal User Name must consist of your full UW email address, e.g. husky@u.washington.edu and follow directions to customize your search. Be sure to change display to short field labels, and click on "Create SDI" button.

Where can I get more help?

Click on the Help icon or use the pull-down menu by the How do I...? box. The Database Guide provides help on specific databases. You may also make an appointment with your library liaison for more assistance.