Advanced Search (basic options)

This feature allows you to enter a word or phrase, and then choose which of our electronic resources to search. The Advanced Search page also contains a link directly to the Free Library Catalog interface.

Notes:

• Select up to 15 electronic resources by checking the boxes next to them. The available list of resources can be sorted either by alphabet or by subject. If a database is unavailable you will be unable to select it.
• Under the Electronic Resources tab, it is possible to view the results of all searched sources at once, or to view the results from the resources individually.

The Advanced Search tool searches the resources listed below and organizes the results under three tabs:

1. The Free Library catalog. Books and other materials related to your search terms.  
2. Electronic Resources. These are subscription services available through the Free Library. The Advanced Search tool allows you to select up to 15 of these resources at once before you start your search. If you're outside the library, you may need to enter your library card number and PIN to view the full text of an item.
3. FLP Site Search. Find any Free Library Web pages that contain your search terms.

There is a link for more options within the dark-blue bar atop the Advanced Search page. This tool allows for traditional advanced searches.

Notes:

• As with the basic Advanced Search, the results will be grouped under three tabs: Catalog, Electronic Resources, and FLP Site Search.
• You can combine up to three search terms using Boolean language (and, or, not).
• Searches can be limited by language or type of material, and the number of results from each source can be restricted.
• You can select up to ten electronic resources at one time.

The search is federated :  That means it goes directly to the various databases and submits the search terms in “real-time,” very much like you would if you were to perform the searches individually on your own. Speed and results can vary from one search to another. At times a particular database may be unavailable. If that happens, it will appear that no information on your search term is included in that database.