Help With Using FirstSearch


In order to use FirstSearch, you will need an authorization and password. In the Anthony Hunt Library, the authorization and password is on a paper taped to the internet computer keyboard or CPU. If you want to access FirstSearch remotely, obtain the authorization and password from a librarian.

FirstSearch consists of several databases. The Howard College Library System subscribes to several, but not all of the databases available. The most used databases include Wilson Select for general interest magazine and journal articles and WorldCat for information on books.

Obtaining Full-Text Magazine and Journal Articles Using Wilson Select

  1. Click on the underlined word FirstSearch.
  2. Enter the authorization and password obtainable from a librarian or the library computer.
  3. Click start.
  4. Under the heading Select a Database choose Wilson Select.
  5. Enter the term or terms to search for and click search.
Note: Using quotation marks around phrases will force the search engine to look for the exact phrase and therefore reduce the amount of 'hits'.

Note: Wilson Select is a general interest magazine and journal database. Searches using subject-specific technical jargon may result in few or no 'hits' and the loss of potentially relevant material.

Additional information about using Wilson Select, such as limiting searches and other advanced searching techniques, is available by clicking on the word help above the search for box.


Last updated August 23, 1999