Discovery Search

The Discovery search box on the library homepage is your first step in accessing the library's collections. Search our print & electronic book collections, streaming video, CDs and DVDs, peer-reviewed journal articles, newspapers, and more using Discovery search.  View the video tutorials linked below to learn more. 

What is Discovery?

• A single search box that searches across various selected library content.
• Provides access to various physical and digital materials - Ebooks & print books, journal articles, DVDs, musical scores, newspaper articles, etc.
• Links directly to selected online content databases.
• Filter searches by format (e.g., books, articles), peer review, publication date, topic, etc.
• Discovery Search: Advanced Search is the best starting point for library research because you can be more specific with search terms and parameters, resulting in better quality citations.  Watch this video, Discovery Search: Using the Advanced Search to Find Books and Articles, to understand how and when to use this robust search tool effectively. 

How do I use Discovery?

Basic Search

• Discovery Basic Search is a good starting point for research, especially for locating books and other items physically held at Waggoner. It should not be the only tool used in research, as it is not comprehensive. 
• Use the search box on our homepage for a basic search - keyword, author, title (Salem Witch Trials, Pride and Prejudice, John Green). Hit enter to search (or click on the green magnifying glass). Select the Book or Article icons to limit results before clicking on the magnifying glass. 
• Items held by Trevecca are displayed first on the result list. Books and other physical items provide availability information, location, and call number. Ebooks, journal articles, and other digital materials will include "access online" buttons. You must authenticate with your university account (used for Canvas, SharePoint, email, etc.) to view. 
• Use the filter options on the left side to narrow results by held at Trevecca, format type, date range, peer-reviewed, author, and more.

Advanced Search

• Discovery also has an Advanced Search option. Advanced search allows for more powerful, detailed searching. It will enable you to control searching by specifying the desired format, year, peer review status, and more. Watch this video, Discovery Search: Using the Advanced Search to Find Books and Articles, to understand how and when to use this robust search tool effectively. While the Advanced Search on Discovery is applicable, it is not a substitute for using databases. 

What else should I know?

• Items not held by Trevecca can be requested via Interlibrary Loan. Click on the title to go to the item record, then scroll to the Availability section. Click on the purple icon "Request item through interlibrary loan" and follow the prompts to request. 
• Discovery does not search everything at Waggoner Library. Many popular databases are included in Discovery, such as Academic Search Ultimate, Business Source Ultimate, and JSTOR. A Discovery search will provide results in various electronic formats: articles, ebooks, and streaming videos. All of the Waggoner physical items are included in a Discovery search.
• Discovery is great for preliminary research, but a subject database is better for more in-depth, specific research.
• Sometimes broken links happen - use the "report a broken link" feature in the Access Online section to let us know. We always respond to these reports to help you get access to the items you need!
• If you encounter difficulties, want one-on-one assistance, or have questions, please contact a librarian. We would love to help!

Call: 615.248.1214 | Text: 931.250.4898 | Chat I Email: library@trevecca.edu l Come visit during library hours