SearchIt@PUL FAQ’s

What is SearchIt@PUL?: This is a new discovery interface for our Library’s collections (the Catalog+ tab) as well as research content from our subscription journals and databases.
What is included?: Currently it contains all of the data found in our Main Catalog and it identifies full-text journal and newspaper articles, and other electronic content from the Library’s online subscriptions.
How often is the data refreshed?: Bibliographic data is refreshed twice a day; availability data (for example, is an item on the shelf or charged out) is real time from our Main Catalog
Do I have to sign in?: You can use the search and display functionality without signing in. However, signing in will allow you to set preferences, view your account, renew items, and request items that are not in the library.
What does the All tab do?: This provides a blended search of materials from the Catalog+ and Articles+ tabs.
Why does the Articles+ tab interface look different?: The Articles+ tab takes you directly to another product to allow for more functionality in discovering journal articles and related resources.
Can I now find a citation if I only have the title of the article?: Yes. Previously, you had to know the title of a journal to find an article. Now from the Articles+ or All tab you can search using the article title or author(s).
What resources are included in Articles +?: Articles+ contains extensive full-text access to resources paid for by the Princeton University Library. These include journal and newspaper articles, dissertations, conference proceedings, scores, sheet music, streaming audio and video recordings, art and photo images, and more.
How do I return to the other search tabs?: Click on the SearchIt@PUL link at the top left of the page.
What search index is being used from the simple search box?: This is a keyword search.
The results list was large; how can I narrow this down?: The facets on the left hand side allow you to filter your search based on resource type, language, date, subject, etc.
How do I search for items that are only in a particular library?: From the Catalog+ tab, select the name of the Library (e.g.: Lewis) from the drop down list of libraries next to the search button. Note that by doing this you are limited only to items physically located in a particular building, and you may miss other copies or editions of a work that are located elsewhere.
What does ‘Advanced Search’ do?: It enables you to search specific fields (such as author), to combine different indexes, and to limit by date ranges, material type, language, and library. In both simple and advanced search, you can use wildcard characters, Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), and nested searching using parentheses.
What effect do the instructions contains, starts with, etc., on the advanced search page have on my search?: Contains: will look for all your terms anywhere in the specified field (title, subject, etc.).
Is (exact phrase): looks for the exact word string (you can also do this by putting phrases in quotes)
Starts with: searches for titles that start with your search term(s) (title search only).
Can I use a wildcard character(s) while searching?: Yes. Use * (asterisk) to replace a single or multiple characters.
How is the initial result set sorted?: The default sort is relevancy, But you can also sort by title, author, or date.
What does the Full record link under each record include?: This link shows additional bibliographic information, including subjects, authors, imprint information, series, notes, etc.
What does the Locations & Availability link under each record include?: This will list the location(s), call numbers, item status, and summary holdings information (for journals).
Where is the link to the locator floor plans?: These can be found by clicking ‘Where to find it’ under the Locations and Availability tab.
I found an article in SearchIt@PUL but the full text was not available. What do I do now?: Not all articles found in SearchIt@PUL are available online in full-text. Be sure to check the Catalog to see if we have a print copy of the journal (you can also double check our electronic holdings via E-journals at Princeton). If we don’t have the article either online or in print, you can request it through Inter-Library Loan and Document Delivery Services.
Do I need to do anything different if accessing SearchIt@PUL from off campus?: If you wish to see the full text of articles you will be prompted to enter your NetID and password for authentication purposes.
What is the difference between finding e-journals in SearchIt@PUL and E-Journals at Princeton?: In SearchIt@PUL you can search for individual articles by author, title, and keywords in addition to searching for an e-journal itself. E-Journals at Princeton does not have data for individual articles; rather, it has precise information about coverage periods for
e-journal titles licensed by the Library.
How do I place a recall on an item checked out to someone else?: Recalling an item is available if you use the "Sign In" or “My Account” links at the top right of the SearchIt@PUL interface. Once signed in, the option will be available on the item's request tab.
How do I renew a book?: Renewing an item is available if you use the "Sign In" or “My Account” links at the top right of the SearchIt@PUL interface. The Loans section will list all items currently charged out to you. Select “Renew” beside each item you wish to renew, or select “Renew All” if you wish to renew everything. Because of renewal limits on some items, we suggest you use the “Renew All” option sparingly.
An item that I want is in ReCAP. How do I initiate a request?: All request options can be found under the Locations & Availability tab for each record. The Check Options button will provide all appropriate request options including ReCAP requests.
I want to email a record, send it to RefWorks, etc. How do I do this?: From any of the links below the summary of the record, click on Print/export and choose the option you want to use.
What is the e-shelf?: This is a place where you can select and save records for later viewing. If you are not logged in the records will remain there for the current session only. Sign in to retain records in your basket.
Where do I go for more help?: Click on the Help link at the top right of the screen.

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