In July, the PLU library will switch from our current client-based access to SciFinder Scholar, to a Web-based version. This means that you'll be able to access SciFinder from any computer, not just computers that have the client installed.
Web access to SciFinder Scholar is available now. Client access will discontinue in July.
Accessing the Web-based version of SciFinder Scholar
To use SciFinder Scholar on the Web, you'll need to connect to the site and create your own user registration. Here's how to do it:
Once you've finished registering, click here to access SciFinder Scholar.
How to access SciFinder Scholar at PLU
You can access SciFinder Scholar in the following locations:
Mortvedt Library: Haley computer center on the first floor. Please consult the librarian at the reference desk for specific machines, or if you have questions about access.
Rieke Science Center: Chemistry conference room (Rieke 247), Rieke 224, the open lab, and faculty offices. Rooms 247 and 224 are available for student research when not in use for meetings or classes. If you need assistance connecting to or using SciFinder Scholar, please contact faculty in the Chemistry Department for assistance.
In addition, Undergraduate Research Librarian Genevieve Williams holds open reference hours in the Rieke Science Center and the Morken Center throughout the academic year and has SciFinder Scholar available on her laptop. Drop by during her office hours, or contact her for a research consultation.
Great. So how do I actually connect? If you're using SciFinder Scholar on your own, look for the product logo on the desk top or the Start menu. The SciFinder Scholar client will launch.
Why can I only access SciFinder Scholar from a few locations? Because we share a limited number of connections to SciFinder Scholar with other institutions, access to SciFinder Scholar is restricted. It requires the download of client software, and is installed on several machines on the PLU campus. It cannot be used from off campus.
When I tried to access SciFinder Scholar, I got a message saying the maximum number of connections was exceeded. What gives? We are only allowed a limited number of connections to SciFinder Scholar, which we share with other universities in the region. As a result, you may find that at times, you can't connect. If this happens, wait a little while and try again. The middle of the day tends to be busiest, so try early in the morning or late afternoon.
Who can use SciFinder Scholar? Everyone! SciFinder Scholar is a premier research tool for chemistry and biochemistry. Students and faculty working in biology and some areas of geoscience will find it useful, too.
What are some of the features of SciFinder Scholar? This resource provides extensive abstracting and indexing, chemical structure and reaction searching, and citation searching. Some full text access is available through the ChemPort service. You can also save or print your search results to look up later. SciFinder Scholar does not link to Journals @ PLU, so you may need to do some additional legwork to find out if we have your articles.
Before logging on or making an appointment: Because our access is limited, we ask that you do some preparation before using SciFinder Scholar. Know what subjects, chemical substances, journal titles, article titles, and/or authors you want to look up ahead of time, though you'll get some more ideas as you search. Be prepared to save, print, or write down your results so you can refer to them later. Arrange for additional sessions if necessary. E-mail Genevieve Williams if you need help.
Additional resources:
SciFinder Scholar Interactive
Tutorial
SciFinder Scholar
searching tips
Information about SciFinder
Scholar
More SciFinder Scholar
learning resources