- FirstSearch Links
- Configuring FirstSearch
- Constructing URLs
- FirstSearch Admin
- FirstSearch Statistics
Using the FirstSearch Administrative Module
Although VIVA funds access to FirstSearch, OCLC has given each VIVA library its own authorization number. The authorization number permits libraries to tailor the FirstSearch environment for your own users. However, because FirstSearch is a shared resource with cost implications for the members, VIVA has set some mandatory guidelines that must be followed by all libraries. Use the FirstSearch administrative module to implement these guidelines. Additional information about configuring FirstSearch and constructing URLs is available.
Log on to the FirstSearch administrative module. Each library has been given its own authorization number and password (which itself can be changed in the administrative module). If you do not know your number or password, contact OCLC. VIVA does not have a record of institutional numbers or passwords.
In the tab for Authentication/Access: General, there are two parameters that must be set:
Timeouts: 5 Session minutes
Maximum Number of Databases per Search: 1
You are free to set all other System Settings in whatever way that works best for your library.
In the tab for Authentication/Access: Database Access, you must make certain that only VIVA authorized databases are checked. If your library wants to use additional databases or enable full-text, you must do so with a separate authorization number available through OCLC.
Available Databases |
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| AltPressIndex AltPressIndArchive ArticleFirst AHSearch ClasePeriodica ConsumerIndex CWI Dissertations ERIC GEOBASE GPO MediaRevDigest MEDLINE PapersFirst Proceedings WorldAlmanac WorldCat WorldScope |
From time to time, OCLC adds databases to FirstSearch. In some cases, a database may not be appropriate for VIVA to use, either because it is duplicated by another VIVA database, it is too expensive, or for some other consideration. The VIVA Steering Committee has also set a policy that VIVA libraries in public institutions are to block all new FirstSearch databases until the Resources for Users Committee can review them for appropriateness.