Getting started - search forms

Multiple collection searching at UMDL Texts allows you to compose several types of searches and to be selective about what collections or areas of a work to search.

The parts of a search form
There are three main components to most of the search forms: the collection filters, the collection list, and the query form. To use them all, follow the steps shown in the following example:

Collection filters The collection filters allow you to select collections to target your search toward based on characteristics that match one or more of the collections. The characteristics fall into four catagories: subject/genre historical period in which the work[s] covered were written. languages of the text gender of the author[s] As you select one or more values in each of the filters, the matching collections in the collections list are automatically checked and added to the search. To select more than one value in each filter, hold down the CTRL key (PC) or the COMMAND key (Mac) while you click.

Query form The query form is the only mandatory part of any search. Enter a term or phrase in the box or boxes, select a region to search within from the pulldown menu[s], and click the "search checked collections" button to submit the query. For more tips on entering query terms, see searching tips. See also searching within regions.

Collection list The collection list is below the query form; it shows all the collections that are available for searching. To add a collection to your search, check the box next to it. When you select values in the collection filters, collections that match the filter values are automatically checked; those that do not match are unchecked. You can check or uncheck additional collections after using the filters to further restrict your search.

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