What is myQuest ?

myQuest is a federated search engine that allows you to search multiple databases, including the library catalog, simultaneously.  The search results are combined together and displayed in one list. Each database searched is identified by name along with the number of items found in the result list. The choice of searching only one database is also available. 

A few databases are not included in myQuest.  These databases may be searched individually.

Why use myQuest ?

Advantages of using myQuest are that:

·         You can select and search multiple databases in one search.

·         You do not have to repeat the same search in individual databases.

·         You can select a subject category and myQuest will choose the databases for searching.

·         You can limit your searches to include full-text, specific date, etc.

·         You can limit your searching to one specific database for more specialized searching.

What am I searching ?

Most of our library databases, such as EbscoHost, Education Full-Text, and Lexis-Nexis, are available for searching together or separately.  You will see a list of the library databases that are searchable through myQuest once you go to the myQuest webpage.  The library catalog may also be included in a search.

A few databases are not included in myQuest but may still be searched individually.  

How do I select the database I want to search ?

There are three ways to select the library databases you want to search.

• Choose a “SELECT CATEGORY” search

• Check the databases from “LIST OF RESOURCES” that you want to search

• Check "Include library catalog in search"

What do I need to know to retrieve the best search results ?

To get the best search results:

• Choose the BEST search option.

• Select a subject in the "SELECT CATEGORY" if you are not certain of which databases to search.

• Select only those databases that pertain to your topic for searching.

• DO NOT choose the option "SELECT/DESELECT ALL".

• Limit your searching by using options such as Boolean operators, date, subject, full-text, etc.

• Ask a librarian for help.

Where can I search myQuest ?

 To connect with myQuest:

• Go to the University Libraries homepage.

• Click myQuest under the Research column.

• Enter the proxy login/password, at the prompt, if you are accessing myQuest from off-campus.

• Ask a librarian for help.

How do I search myQuest ?

Begin your search on the myQuest search page.

• Select a subject in the" SELECT CATEGORY" box or select a database(s) in the "LIST OF RESOURCES" that relates to your research topic.

• Enter search terms in the boxes provided.

• Click the search button.

How do I interpret the results ?

If you are ready to begin searching, click on the button below.

For a printable copy of this webpage about myQuest, below:

Word document version

RTF file version