3.1 Searching For Journals

The Inter-Search Search Engine is the main portal to the extensive collection of journals and journal holdings.

The default search is truncated title searching. In other words, just typing in part of a title into the box and pressing ENTER will start a search for the title.

For other types of searches (e.g. NUC symbol, ISSN, keyword, etc), type the information into the box FIRST and then click on the button for the required type of search. Do not click on a search button without first entering a search term into the box at the top.

The search engine allows:

Holdings searching only for those journals where print or electronic holdings are available
Keyword searching by a portion of a journal title
Title searches by the full or truncated title
Directory searching on the directory of member libraries
NUC searches on the NUC codes for member libraries
Ranking listings for given libraries

Detailed instructions for Searching for journals

1	Click on the Search button in the left-and menu.

2	You will see the main search page.

3	Use the Search text box to enter the title or partial title you wish to search on.

4	When searching on a title or keyword, the resulting Journal Title matches are hyperlinked. Clicking on a given search result will show further details regarding the journal and a summarised holdings by library.

5	The holdings are shown in ranked order: 1. Holdings for the state-of-origin of library searching 2. Within each state, the ascending ranking of each library with holdings 3. State-based rankings of other states

6	Review the holdings of the libraries shown and select the first library in the list which has holdings matching your request - click on the NUC symbol for this library, which is hyperlinked. Notice the following symbols against holdings: An orange P - the journal is held in print version A blue E - the journal is held in Electronic format A green @ symbol - the journal can be emailed electronically A red @ symbol - no emailing of electronic articles is allowed

7	Note: you can use the Filter option to restrict the view of holdings to a particular year. Type in the year and click Filter.

8	As per Code of Conduct, the ranking order MUST be adhered to so that no library is unfairly overwhelmed. The formats are specified to add value to and inform libraries of their own holdings. This facility will only work well when members can feel confident in adding their online holdings without adverse consequences. When an article is very recent and it is known that it will not be available in print yet, naturally the libraries with electronic access can be approached first. Otherwise, DO NOT select libraries with electronic holdings just for convenience sake.