Product Overview of EBSCOhost
EBSCOhost is a comprehensive online research platform provided by EBSCO Information Services, designed to facilitate access to a vast array of academic, professional, and general interest resources. Here’s an overview of what the product does and its key features and functionality:
What EBSCOhost Does
EBSCOhost serves as a gateway to numerous subscription databases, offering users access to a wide range of content including scholarly journals, magazines, newspapers, trade publications, e-books, and more. These databases cover various subjects and academic disciplines, making it an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and professionals.
Key Features
1. Multi-Database Search
Users can search multiple databases simultaneously, selecting from a broad list of available databases such as Academic Search Premier, America: History and Life, PsycArticles, and many others. This feature allows for a comprehensive search across different subjects and disciplines.
2. Advanced Search Capabilities
The platform offers advanced search options, including the ability to restrict search words and phrases to specific data fields (e.g., title, abstract, subject terms). Users can also use the TX All Text field code to search the full text of articles, and utilize publication date sliders and other filters to refine their searches.
3. User Accounts and Personalization
Users can create an EBSCOhost account, which enables them to save articles, create folders for different research projects, and save searches that can be rerun later to retrieve newer articles. This feature helps in organizing and managing research materials efficiently.
4. Integration and Compatibility
EBSCOhost integrates with library catalogs and institutional repositories, allowing users to search across these resources seamlessly. It also supports various authentication methods, including single sign-on through OpenAthens, Shibboleth, and other SAML-compliant solutions, ensuring secure and convenient access both on-site and remotely.
5. Help and Support Resources
The platform provides extensive online help, including video tutorials, FAQs, and detailed instructions accessible through the Help icon on each screen. Additional support is available through EBSCO’s training site and technical support services.
6. Content Variety
EBSCOhost databases include a diverse range of content, such as e-books, e-journals, and full-text databases from leading information providers. This includes general reference collections as well as subject-specific databases like Education Full Text, General Science Full Text, and Humanities Full Text.
7. Guest Access and Library Integration
The platform offers guest access, allowing users to search and view certain content without logging in, although full-text access requires authentication. Library catalogs can be integrated into the EBSCO Discovery Service, enhancing the search experience by including catalog records and institutional repository content.
Functionality
- Simultaneous Database Search: Users can select and search multiple databases at once, eliminating the need to search each database individually.
- Refine and Filter Results: Advanced search features allow users to refine their searches using various filters, such as publication date, source types, and specific data fields.
- Save and Organize: The ability to save articles, searches, and create folders helps users manage their research more effectively.
- Technical Support: Extensive help resources, including video tutorials and online support, are available to assist users in utilizing the platform efficiently.
In summary, EBSCOhost is a powerful research tool that provides comprehensive access to a wide range of academic and professional resources, coupled with advanced search capabilities, user personalization features, and robust technical support.