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Product Highlights
FirstSearch gives library users online access to more than 70 databases.
Databases are available on a subscription or per search basis (and often available
both ways). Connect to the table of database features, which includes information
on whether a database is available on a per search and/or subscription basis.
Bibliographic Instruction (BI) Authorizations
MINITEX and OCLC are offering special authorization numbers for accessing FirstSearch
during training sessions. The regular access authorization numbers limit the number
of users who can access FirstSearch simultaneously. This can pose a problem for some
libraries. Each BI authorization allows access to FirstSearch for up to 30 ports. If
you need additional ports for an instruction session, this can be arranged. The BI
authorizations are for instructional classroom use only and access will be permitted
only to those subscription databases that are currently licensed.
The BI authorization numbers are free!
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If you are interested in obtaining a FirstSearch Bibliographic Instruction
authorization number, at least two weeks prior to the planned training session,
please complete and submit to MINITEX a questionnaire with information about
your intended use of the authorization.
- Please return the questionnaire to MINITEX (fax: 612-625-3569).
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Bibliographic Instruction Authorizations
questionnaire
(PDF; 14 KB)
FirstSearch Service Bibliographic Instruction (BI) Authorizations Terms
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Access will be permitted only to those subscriptions databases that are
currently licensed by your library. Trial databases may not be accessed
using the Bibliographic Instruction Authorizations. MINITEX will conduct
periodic reviews to ensure that recipients of BI authorizations for ongoing
use continue to receive access only to the databases they have subscribed to.
- Each authorization is not to exceed 30 ports for instructional classroom use.
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The Bibliographic Instruction Authorizations may be used only for instruction
in the use of the OCLC FirstSearch Service.
Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM) Note
Libraries in the state of Minnesota have access to OCLC WorldCat through ELM—the
Electronic Library for Minnesota.
Training
MINITEX training is available for OCLC Worldcat. Please contact MINITEX Reference
Services at 800-462-5348 / 612-624-4002 or
mtxref@umn.edu for more information.
MINITEX Pricing
Subscription Databases
For a price quote, please contact MINITEX.
Block Searches
Block searches are $1.00 per search for OCLC members and $1.15 per search for
non-members. (The price of a block of 500 searches is currently $500 for members
and $575 for non-members. You may only order in blocks of 500 searches.)
License Agreements (Terms & Conditions)
The terms and conditions are available as pages 4-7 of the order form. By signing
the order form, you are indicating that you have read and agree to the current
FirstSearch/Electronic Collections Online Service.
How to Order or Renew
Ordering via the OCLC Online Service Center
You can order OCLC FirstSearch block searches and order/renew subscriptions on
your own. Here are the steps to follow to place an order. If you do not know your
Online Service Center login information, please contact MINITEX to
set up your account for you.
- Login to the OCLC Service Center
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Click on the FirstSearch button in the "Order and manage subscriptions for OCLC
services" section.
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To add block searches to an existing authorization, click on the Add
Searches button from the "Current authorizations" section.
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To purchase block searches or subscribe to a database on a new
authorization, select the Begin button from the "Create a new authorization" section.
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
Your block searches are added immediately!
If you are placing your order via the OSC and wish to be invoiced for your order,
please contact MINITEX and let us know; otherwise, the purchase
amount will automatically be deducted from your MINITEX deposit account.
The Online Service Center also allows you order several other OCLC products and
services and allows you to manage the contact information for your library.
Ordering via the Paper Order Form
There are some instances when you are not able to use the Online Service Center to
order or renew a FirstSearch subscription or purchase a block of searches. If you
find this to be the case, please complete pages 1-3 of the order form and fax them
to MINITEX at 612-625-3569.
By signing the order form, you are indicating that you have read and agree to the
current FirstSearch/Electronic Collections Online Service (pages 4-7 of the order form).
For orders/renewals submitted by paper order form, in order to guarantee subscription
access on the first of a month, OCLC needs to receive your completed order form by
the 21st of the preceding month. For block orders, if MINITEX receives your order form
by 12:00 noon, access to the new searches will be available the following day.
For orders/renewals submitted by paper order form, if you would like to be invoiced
for your OCLC purchase, please note this at the top of the order form; otherwise the
purchase amount will automatically be deducted from your MINITEX deposit account.
Technical Support
Technical support is available:
- 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday–Friday
- 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday (support limited to hardware and telecommunications)
- Phone: 800-848-5800
- Email: support@oclc.org
Statistics
Login to the usage statistics service using your library's nine-digit FirstSearch
authorization number and administrative password.
Monthly reports are included for individual accounts. Each month, OCLC adds another
month to the statistics service. After the service includes 25 months of reports, OCLC
will remove the earliest month when adding a new month. Thus, the service always
includes the latest 25 months of reports.
Overview reports combine data for all databases, including the number of sessions,
searches and full-text documents used. They also provide data about the actual
number of simultaneous users of the account. Other reports provide data about each
database, including the number of searches and full-text documents used.
How many unused searches remain in our FirstSearch per-search account?
The Account Information section of the administrative module lets you view information
about your FirstSearch account, including expiration dates and searches remaining in
a per-search account. The number of remaining searches is updated once each day. This
information helps you plan when to order more searches.