No.2: Searching and saving in Ovid
- Search using thesaurus
- Search using keyword
- Saving a Search History
- Saving an Autoalert (SDI)
- Running a Saved Search
- Further help
Search using thesaurus
Step 1
An Ovid search defaults to Advanced. Enter a single concept into Enter Keyword or phrase and select Search.
Mapping finds relevant thesaurus terms. Where no exact thesaurus term exists, a list of related terms is presented, along with the option to search as keyword. Where there is an exact thesaurus term, a tick appears next to that term. The Keyword option is also presented. Always search using the thesaurus term when it is available.
Step 2
Check the scope note to make sure this is indeed the correct term, and also if this term is valid for the required years. In this example Migraine Disorders is valid from 1963. Use Previous Page to return to Mapping Display.
Step 3
Select Migraine Disorders to view the Tree for this term. If your search term has narrower terms (these will be indented) tick the box on the right of the hits to Explode. In this example it will include Migraine Disorders plus the narrower terms Migraine with Aura and Migraine without Aura. Select Continue at the top of the page.
Step 4
When the Subheading Display appears, select Include All Subheadings, then Continue. Repeat Steps 1-4 on your other search concepts. In this example it would be Cluster Headache and Sumatriptan.
Step 5
Combine all the search terms using the appropriate Boolean operators: OR, AND. Enter (1 or 2) and 3 into the search box and select Search. Now your search history will look like this:
Step 6
Use Limits to restrict to basic limits such as English Language, Humans, Review Articles and Publication Year. Use Additional Limits for more advanced limit options such as Age Groups, Publication Types, Clinical Queries etc.
Search using keyword
A keyword search may be required to expand retrieval, or when no appropriate thesaurus term exists. Consider synonyms, British/American spelling variations, and singular/plural terms. Use the appropriate truncation to maximise results:
- Use * or $ to retrieve unlimited suffix variation: arter*.mp. will retrieve artery, arteries, arterial, etc.
- Use # to replace exactly one character: wom#n.mp.
- Use ? to replace 0 or 1 character: labo?r.mp.
Saving a Search History
- Select Save Search History at the bottom of your Search History.
- Log in or Create a new Personal Account.
- Name your search, add an optional comment, and select from the Type options of Temporary (24 hours), Permanent, or AutoAlert (SDI).
Saving an Autoalert (SDI)
AutoAlert (SDI) runs your search automatically on a regular basis and emails the results to you. Most settings can be left at default. Your Personal Account email address will appear by default. Use the database name and your project name as Email Subject. Select Include Strategy. If exporting to EndNote, select Complete Reference in Fields, and Reprint/Medlars in Result Format.
Running a Saved Search
- Open the relevant database.
- Select Saved Searches/Alerts and Login to your personal account.
- Select your search, and Run.
- Go to Main Search Page to view the saved search.
Further help
- Select "Ask a Librarian" within Ovid or on the library website for search help, and receive a response within 24 hours, Monday to Friday.
- Fact Sheet no.1: Databases, and planning a search.
- Fact Sheet no.3: Managing Ovid search results.
- Fact Sheet no.12: Importing into EndNote.
- Sign up for a free tutorial in the library. See "Training" at the website, or call x5107 to book.