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About FirstSearch

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Learn about the FirstSearch website and how to find more information about the service.

Visit the FirstSearch website

Visit the FirstSearch website, which is updated frequently. It includes service overviews and news, documentation, support, and information about FirstSearch databases and Electronic Collections Online journals.

Subscribe to OCLC Internet lists

Subscribe to the OCLC Internet lists that distribute FirstSearch news. FIRSTSEARCH-L provides announcements and information about FirstSearch. Z39.50FS-L provides news about Z39.50 access to FirstSearch databases.

Explore FirstSearch and the administrative module

Log on to FirstSearch using your FirstSearch authorization number and service password to use it. The temporary password in your FirstSearch welcome letter is your initial service password.

Log on to the administrative module using your FirstSearch authorization number and administrative password. The temporary password in the welcome letter is your initial administrative password. For more information about using the administrative module, see WorldCat Admin.

Use recommended browsers to explore FirstSearch and the administrative module. For best results, JavaScript should be enabled in your browser.

Use online help and news

For instructions about using FirstSearch and for the latest information about available features and databases, use online help and news in FirstSearch and online help in the administrative module. Online help is context sensitive; each FirstSearch screen has a help button you can click to view related help topics. Help appears in a separate, smaller window that overlays the service or module window so you can view both windows simultaneously. Also, you can click Find Help Topics in any help window to search online help to find the information you need.

Get information, training, and advice

Contact your regional network or service center in the USA, your international division or distributor, or OCLC to learn more about the FirstSearch information, training, and planning advice they can provide. They know your library's needs and can help you get the most out of FirstSearch. Contact your regional service provider to learn more about the FirstSearch information, training, and planning advice they can provide.