Cambridge Scientific Abstracts

Printable version

Introduction | Accessing | Searching | Search Tips | Search Results | Locating Full Text | Managing Search Results 

Introduction

Cambridge Scientific Abstracts contains many databases and collections of databases on a wide range of subjects, including computer science, ecology & environment, language & linguistics, and aquatic sciences. Cambridge Scientific Abstracts databases include:

Accessing

This database may be accessed from the Databases page of the Electronic Resources section of the NSU Alvin Sherman Library website.

For more on how to access databases visit http://www.nova.edu/library/dils/lessons/electroniclibrary/

When accessing CSA Databases the opening screen will appear.


Opening screen in Cambridge Scientific databases.

Depending on how you logged into CSA, an individual database or all CSA databases will be automatically selected. You can specify one or more different databases to search by changing the settings.

To change the settings:

• to select a group of databases by subject, go to the subject area drop down menu box.
• choose Arts & Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, or Technology.
  OR
• to select individual databases or a combination of databases, click the specific databases link
• select the database(s) to be searched from the list by clicking on the appropriate checkbox(es)
• click continue to search

Changing databases in CSA.

Searching

On the Advanced Search screen a "search strategy" area with three search boxes per row should be visible. In order to search:

• type your search term(s) in the first search box (the Advanced Search feature is not case sensitive)
• click on Search to obtain a list of records

Not all of the empty search boxes need to contain words in order for the search to proceed. Consult the Search Tips for additional information on constructing your search.

Advanced searching in CSA databases.

Search Tips

Boolean operators

Boolean operators define the relationships between words or groups of words.

Phrase or proximity searching

In Cambridge Scientific Abstracts, there are several ways to search by proximity. Proximity searches limit the number of words between your search terms.

To search by proximity:

Field searching

To limit your search to a specific field in the record

• use the pull-down arrow–to the left of each text entry box
• scroll to the field to limit your search to
• click on the field name

Note: the specific fields available and listed in the menu will depend on the specific database you are searching.

Selecting the search field in CSA databases.

Date

To limit a search to specific years

• go to the date range section of the screen–below the entry boxes
• select the desired years using the pull down arrows
  
  

Publication type

To specify a type of document, depending on the Cambridge Scientific Abstracts database you are using

• enter your initial search–keywords, subject, author
• use the type of document needed as a term in the empty search box such as lesson plan or conference paper

Search Results

Search results will vary. If you get:

• No records matched your search, then check your spelling or the fields you searched in.
• Too many, then go back and limit your search. Sometimes a search needs to be modified with: additional search words, searching only a specific field, adding date limitations, or type of materials.
• Too few, then go back and expand your search. Consider synonyms for your search words or concepts. Try to use professional language or terminology.
• Irrelevant results, then try new search terms. Consider synonyms or related concepts. Identify and search using descriptors. Try a different database.

Results lists

A list of search results matching your search terms will be displayed. The Search Results page shows

• citations from "All Publication Types" that matched your search from the selected database(s)
• the name of the database in which the citation was found
  • for each numbered entry the database name can be found on the right hand side under the heading Database:
• selected Journals, Peer-Reviewed Journals, Conferences, Books and/or Web Sites may be included in some databases.
  • move between the types of results available by using the labeled tabs with the numbers of the results beside them.
• links to view an item’s record
• links to full text and/or Find It!

Sample search results screen in CSA databases.

Records

To view a record click on View Record. Depending on the particular database, CSA records include

• Citation
• Links to Full-Text and/or Find It!
• Descriptors
• Abstract
• Contact information
• Indexing details
• References

Record View in CSA databases.

Locating Full Text

CSA databases offer two options for locating full text. These links are different, so if the citation you wish to locate offers both links and one fails, please try the other.
 

		The Full-Text link will link directly to the full text of the article OR to a list of links to other databases with the full text.
		The Find It! button will link to a menu of options for full text which may include: A list of links to other databases with the full text of the article A link to search NovaCat, the library’s online catalog, for the item or journal A link to order the item through ILLiad, the library’s Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery service Learn more about Find It!

Full text links and Find It! links in CSA databases.

Managing Search Results

Databases typically allow you to manage your search results by

• marking or tagging records to select only the records that you want from your search results from later printing, emailing and/or saving
• printing the search results list and/or specific records
• emailing the search results list and/or specific records to your email address
• saving the search results list and/or specific records–some databases may allow you to save your file for export into commercial bibliographic citation manager software, such as EndNote or ProCite

Not all search management features are available in all databases.

Marking

Marking is an important feature in CSA Databases. The "mark" feature allows you to select records from within your search results. By marking items, you can print, email or save multiple records at one time.

To mark a record:

• in the Search Results List, click the check box to the left of the citation
  OR
• in the Record View, click in the check box labeled Mark This Record

• Then use the Update Marked List link to add this to your list.

You may select your marked records or a range of up to 500 records from your results to print. The default will be the records that you have marked. Choose the format of the records and enter comments to be inserted on the record list. Some databases will have cited references, which may be removed to reduce the size of the file. Once you have printed your marked records, you may opt to clear your marked records and start a new list, or you may continue to add to your current selections.

Printing

To print records:

• click on the Save, Print, Email link
• if desired select the format: short record, full record, full-omit refts, or custom
• a bibliography of the selected items can also be created using the QuikBib
• click Print Preview
• use your Internet browser's print commands to print the document
• click the back button (arrow) in your browser to return to search results.
  
  

Emailing

To email the records, enter the address(es) you would like the records sent to in the To: box. In the From: box enter the address that you would like to appear as the sender in the email account(s) you are sending the results to. Then click Email. Once sent, use the back button on your browser to return to your search.

Saving

Select the type of computer you are using to save records. Then click the Save button. Files will be saved as text files (.txt).