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Electronic Databases

SWAN supports electronic databases through multiple vendors, including EBSCO and OCLC discovery services. While members may have access to additional resources, this documentation primarily covers EBSCO and OCLC databases as these are widely available across SWAN libraries.

EBSCO

SWAN supports EBSCO packages available through the Illinois State Library and RAILS.

EBSCOadmin

EBSCOadmin allows library administrators to control the look and functionality of their EBSCO interfaces. This is also where statistics for EBSCO databases can be requested and downloaded. If you do not have credentials or your credentials have expired, please submit a ticket.

EBSCO Connect

EBSCO Connect is a one-stop website to help you get the most out of your EBSCO experience. Some of the things available in EBSCO Connect:

  • Case management
  • Online training
  • Product tutorials
  • Search box builder
  • Alerts
  • Promotional resources

EBSCO Connect credentials are different than EBSCOadmin. To request new credentials for EBSCO Connect, fill out the form Request Your EBSCO Connect Account. You will need to find and select your library under Find your Institution.

Once you have an EBSCO Connect account, you can request to be emailed monthly statistics for the following products:

  • Consumer Reports
  • Auto Repair Source

Promotional materials

The EBSCO package is provided by the state library to all Illinoisans. The state library has selected EBSCO to provide these resources at no cost to the library. The database links already reflect OpenAthens as the primary method for remote authentication. There is nothing additional that needs to be done. To access, please download the spreadsheet and select the tab for your library. In addition, there is a PDF that contains the list of EBSCO databases and brief descriptions that can be downloaded and used for your library website.

EBSCO statewide database descriptions (PDF)

EBSCO statewide database links updated (XLSX)

Your library may have supplemental EBSCO databases available. Please see your library website.

EBSCO Flagship Package

Subscription period is from 07/01 - 06/30. RAILS has an exclusive package and pricing available to its members. The EBSCO Flagship Package includes Novelist Plus, ConsumerReports.org, and your choice of 6 additional resources. RAILS will handle all orders for EBSCO including renewals. Information can be found on the RAILS Deals & Discounts page.

Submit a ticket if you have questions about the Flagship Package, including database links.

Individual EBSCO Databases

Subscription period is from 07/01 - 06/30. If you wish to purchase additional databases with the EBSCO Flagship Package, or stand-alone EBSCO databases, please see the list of available resources and pricing on the RAILS Deals & Discounts page. RAILS will handle all EBCO orders including renewals.

EBSCO supplemental links 25-26 (XLSX)

EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) is a discovery tool that allows you to search all of your library's EBSCO databases and other library-subscribed databases. EDS is also the library catalog's Articles & Databases search engine. All SWAN member libraries have access to EBSCO Discovery Service as part of their membership.

Explora is an EBSCOhost interface for K-12 schools and public libraries. Explora is designed to better assist students and provide a more intuitive search experience for public library patrons.

Each version of Explora features a unique landing page. All versions also feature an attractive, user-friendly design. A single search box helps simplify the search process. Easy-to-browse categories are organized by popular topics, and topic overviews provide users with a starting point for research.

SWAN in collaboration with the E-Resource Working Group have selected a number of databases available from the Illinois statewide package as default databases to be searched. If your library already has Explora profiles, your list of databases searched may look different. The profiles created by the E-Resource Working Group are merely a starting point. Further customizations can be made.

 

Explora Public Libraries

Academic Search Elite

Alt Healthwatch

Biography Reference Source

Business Source Elite

eBook Business Collection

eBook Collection

eBook Public Library Collection

eBook Subscription Cricket Media Collection

eBook Subscription Diversity & Ethnic Studies

ERIC

Ethnic Diversity Source

Health Source - Consumer Edition

History Reference Source

History Reference Source eBook Subscription

Hobbies & Crafts Source

Home Improvement Source

Legal Information Source

LGBTQ+ Source

Literary Reference Source

Literary Reference Source eBook Subscription

MAS Complete

MAS Reference eBook Collection

MasterFILE Complete

MasterFILE Complete Reference eBook Subscription

Newspaper Source Plus

Points of View Reference Source

Professional Development Collection

Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection

Religion and Philosophy Collection

Small Business Source

Small Engine Repair Source

Topic Overviews Public Libraries

Explora Elementary School

eBook Subscription Cricket Media Collection

eBook Subscription Schools: K-5 Collection

MasterFILE Complete Reference eBook Subscription

Newspaper Source Plus

Primary Search

Topic Overviews K-5

Explora Middle School

Biography Reference Source

eBook Subscription Cricket Media Collection

History Reference Source

History Reference Source eBook Subscription

MasterFILE Complete Reference eBook Subscription

Middle Search Plus

Middle Search Reference eBook Collection

Newspaper Source Plus

Points of View Reference Source

Topic Overviews K-5

Explora High School

Academic Search Elite

Biography Reference Source

eBook High School Collection

History Reference Source

History Reference Source eBook Subscription

LGBTQ+ Source

Literary Reference Source

Literary Reference Source eBook Subscription

MAS Complete

MAS Reference eBook Collection

MasterFILE Complete

MasterFILE Complete Reference eBook Subscription

Newspaper Source Plus

Points of View Reference Source

Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection

Religion and Philosophy Collection

Science Reference eBook Collection

Science Reference Source

Topic Overviews 6-12

OCLC

Information about the FirstSearch interface and databases. Includes additional information for transitioning to WorldCat Discovery for FirstSearch databases.

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 on OCLC's FirstSearch and WorldCat Discovery FAQ page.

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.

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

Contact Information

Support

This guides below outline common support scenarios, but it may not cover every situation. When in doubt, members can always contact SWAN for assistance—the team will ensure the issue is handled or directed appropriately.

Issue

Primary Contact

Secondary Contact

Database access problems (EBSCO databases or databases purchased through EBSCO)

SWAN

EBSCO Connect

IP range updates

SWAN

OpenAthens support

SWAN

Issue

Primary Contact

Secondary Contact

EBSCO profile creation/modification

SWAN

Illinois State Library (for statewide databases)

Explora interface issues

SWAN

Illinois State Library

Publication Finder interface issues

SWAN

EDS native interface support

SWAN

EDS API in Aspen catalog

SWAN

Library logo updates

SWAN

Issue

Primary Contact

Current subscription inquiries

EBSCO Connect

EBSCO database package purchase and renewals

RAILS

Issue

Primary Contact

EBSCO reports assistance

SWAN

EBSCOadmin access

SWAN

Issue

Primary Contact

Online training and tutorials

EBSCO Connect

FAQs and help documentation

EBSCO Connect

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.

Related Documentation:
E-Resource Troubleshooting for Library Staff