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FirstSearch Databases

Information about the FirstSearch interface and databases. Also includes information on additional IP addresses for FirstSearch and transitioning to WorldCat Discovery for the FirstSearch databases.

FirstSearch Databases

The following databases are licensed and available:

Searching the databases can be done traditionally through the FirstSearch interface and through WorldCat Discovery. Management of the FirstSearch interface requires access to the FirstSearch administrative module.

Additional IPs

From time to time, you may have to add and/or edit your library's IP addresses. Adding or changing IP addresses for the FirstSearch interface requires administrative access. If you do not have administrative access to FirstSearch, you can fill out the IP Address Recognition Request form provided by OCLC. Please keep in mind that SWAN does not have access to the FirstSearch administrative module for your library.

FirstSearch vs. WorldCat Discovery

FirstSearch: Precise, full-featured searching of WorldCat required by library staff and expert users.

WorldCat Discovery: Discovery service that lets people search the electronic, digital, and physical resources in library collections through a single search of WorldCat and a central index of thousands of e-content collections.

More information on the differences between both services can be found here.

WorldCat Discovery

SWAN has access to WorldShare Management Services (WMS) where configuration and management of WorldCat Discovery takes place. 

Your WorldCat Discovery links can be found under SWAN Members OCLC Links. The link for WorldCat will perform a Basic Search in WorldCat Discovery. Additional parameters can be added to the URL in order to create an Advanced Search in WorldCat Discovery of the FirstSearch Databases.

Advanced Search Links for FirstSearch Databases in WorldCat Discovery

In order to construct the following links for your own library, please replace <yourlibrary> with your OCLC library name. Example, https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swanlibraries.net?url=https://acornpldistrict.on.worldcat.org/advancedsearch?queryString=&databaseList=143

ArticleFirst

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swanlibraries.net?url=https://<yourlibrary>.on.worldcat.org/advancedsearch?queryString=&databaseList=143

ERIC

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swanlibraries.net?url=https://<yourlibrary>.on.worldcat.org/advancedsearch?databaseList=203

GPO Monthly Catalog

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swanlibraries.net?url=https://<yourlibrary>.on.worldcat.org/advancedsearch?databaseList=217

MEDLINE

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swanlibraries.net?url=https://<yourlibrary>.on.worldcat.org/advancedsearch?databaseList=233

OAIster

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swanlibraries.net?url=https://<yourlibrary>.on.worldcat.org/advancedsearch?databaseList=239

PapersFirst

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swanlibraries.net?url=https://<yourlibrary>.on.worldcat.org/advancedsearch?databaseList=245

ProceedingsFirst

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swanlibraries.net?url=https://<yourlibrary>.on.worldcat.org/advancedsearch?databaseList=251

WorldCat

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swanlibraries.net?url=https://<yourlibrary>.on.worldcat.org/advancedsearch?databaseList=638

WorldCat Dissertations and Theses

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swanlibraries.net?url=https://<yourlibrary>.on.worldcat.org/advancedsearch?databaseList=285