FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions with their answers.
► Are all databases searchable through Discovery?
There is a good number of databases that is searchable through Discovery, however there are databases that are not compatible with this tool. Visit the Full-text in Discovery page of this guide to find out which databases should be searched individually.
► Is the open access content included in Discovery trustworthy?
Yes, the open access content which is available in Discovery comes from academic publishers with strong tradition in the publishing industry or from academic institutions. Visit the Full-text in Discovery page of this guide to find out about the open access collections that are available.
►Should I be signed in to my account to search in Discovery?
No, to search in Discovery you don't necessarily have to be signed in with your ACG Network/Blackboard credentials. However, to access a resource, save lists of sources, and save your search history permanently, you will need to do so, by signing in to EZ Proxy, the library's central authentication system.
► Why sometimes a full-text indication may not allow me to access the source?
Basically, there are two reasons:
- The record of the source may have been removed from Discovery and OCLC that supports the system, may have not updated our holdings.
- Publishers may have provided OCLC with incomplete metadata (bibliographic details) of the source which prevents the successful linking of sources.
In case you fail to access a source, you may request it from our Document Delivery Services.
► I am trying unsuccessfully to access a journal but there is an embargo period, what does this mean?
An embargo is a period of time usually including months or years during which access to academic journals is not allowed to users who have not paid for access (or have access through their institution). The purpose of this, is to ensure that publishers have revenue to support their activities. In such cases, you may request the article through our Document Delivery Services.
► I am an alumnus/alumna, can I access sources from Discovery?
Our database vendors allow access to our currently registered alumni on campus only. However, you can do your research remotely, create lists of sources to access them later, or narrow you search to retrieve resources which are available under open access license and eventually you will be able to access some of them.
► Why is the title I'm searching for not appearing as the first result?
This has to do with the indexing meaning that entering the title will search across all indexes doing a keyword search on every word within the keyword index (kw). It is better to perform a title phrase search and ensure the search is across just the title index (ti) if the terms searched are part of the title. This can be done by using = after the title index label (ti) to search specific words within a phrase. If a match in a field or subfield is found that contains only those words the results will display. For example, search for ti=lord of the rings. Use the quotes around the phrase if you want those words to be searched together within the title index. For example, search for ti="lord of the rings".