In the context of searching the UI Libraries’ resources regarding the Sciences Library, we default to a more focused search to better serve your needs. Here is how turning the Focus ON or OFF changes what you search on the Sciences Library home page.
- Focus ON searches only the Library Catalogs. This means you search through only the print and electronic books, journal titles, reports, etc. owned by the library. This is best if you know exactly what you are searching for. (e. g. searching for the book Lost in Math by Sabine Hossenfelder) This is the DEFAULT for the Sciences Library home page.
- Focus OFF searches a much-expanded selection of resources to which UI Libraries has access. This can cause what you are searching for to be lost in millions of possible search items like articles and dissertations. However, if you cannot find something using a focused search, then turn OFF the focus and try again. This search is best if you know just the topic area you want to search but want to cast a wide net looking for information. You will search both the library catalogs as well as for journal articles (something you can’t do in with Focus ON). Please remember this does not search many of the major database/resources we have for journal articles. To search those, use the subject guide for the particular science area you are interested in and locate an appropriate database.