Most scholarly databases share common features designed to help you search, refine, and manage results efficiently. While interfaces vary by vendor, you’ll typically find:
- Search Options: Basic and Advanced Search screens, often with pull-down menus to select fields (e.g., title, author, subject).
- Filters and Limits: Tools to narrow results by date, subject, format, peer-reviewed status, and more.
- Results Display: A list of brief records with links to full bibliographic details and, when available, full-text access. At Virginia Tech, look for the Get VText button to retrieve full text.
- Save and Export: Options to mark records, email, print, or export citations to tools like Zotero or EndNote.
- Citation Tools: Many databases include a “Cite” feature that generates formatted references in styles such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. Always verify accuracy before submitting. For detailed citation guidelines and style manuals, visit Citation and Style Manuals.
- Personal Accounts: Some platforms offer folders or “My Research” features to save searches and records for later use.
- Search History: Ability to view or combine previous searches.