Is there a way to search all of the Library's databases at once?
Answer
The Search the Library box on the U of A Library homepage searches for books, ebooks, and other items in the U of A Library collection, including many online articles and ebook chapters from hundreds of databases. However, there is no way to search across every single one of our databases using a single search tool. The Library subscribes to around 1500 databases, and many of them need to be searched directly to access their content. You can look at Subject Guides to help identify databases in your subject area, and then search directly in those databases.
The Search Guide provides more information on different ways to search.
Using Search the Library, you can choose to expand your search in order to search within the full text of articles. You can also choose to "Search beyond the library," which expands your search to a knowledge base of 5 billion records.
Please Ask Us if you need help choosing where to search. We can also help you with search strategies and how to search.