metaLINK FAQ
What is metaLINK
What is the difference between infoLINK Library Catalog and metaLINK?
How do I find a listing of databases I can search?
How do I search databases in metaLINK?
What is QuickSearch?
What is CrossSearch?
What is My Account?
Why are some resources not searchable in metaLINK?
How do I get help?
What is metaLINK?
metaLINK is a gateway to the library collections. It enables Binghamton University Libraries to provide patrons access to information resources such as catalogs, reference databases, citation databases, subject gateways, and e-journals. metaLINK offers CrossSearch capabilities to search across several resources.
What is the difference between infoLINK Library Catalog and metaLINK?
infoLINK Library Catalog contains details of materials in the library (books, journals, DVDs, etc). metaLINK however, provides the opportunity to search a number of resources simultaneously including infoLINK Library Catalog.
How do I find a listing of databases I can search?
By default, metaLINK opens to the Find Databases by Subject tab. The top subject, Places to Start, includes interdisciplinary databases. To find databases for specific subjects, scroll down through the subject list. If you want to find a specific database, use the by Title tab.
How do I search databases in metaLINK?
The magnifying glass indicates which databases are searchable. Click on magnifying glass to search a database in metaLINK. In CrossSearch, use the box to select the databases you want to search. Databases that do not have a box can not be searched in CrossSearch. If you want to search a database out of the metaLINK environment, click on the database title. This will take you to the native interface.
What is QuickSearch?
QuickSearch allows you to conduct a search across a ready made set of databases simultaneously. Click on the set name to see the available resources in that set. Currently there are two QuickSets available: General Articles and General + infoLINK. These are good places to start your research. More QuickSets coming soon.
What is CrossSearch?
CrossSearch allows you to search across multiple resources.
What is My Account?
You can access “My Account” by signing into metaLINK with your PODS username and password. “My Account” enables you to personalize your environment by creating your own database lists, saving records that you find interesting for future reference and setting up email alerts for searches.
Why are some resources not searchable in metaLINK?
Currently, only certain resources are configured to be searchable in metaLINK but more are being added.
How do I get help?
There is a help link on the upper right-hand corner of metaLINK. Feel free to contact a librarian for additional help.