Selecting Multiple Databases to Search Using PowerSearch

If enabled by your library, you can use the cross-search feature of PowerSearch to search multiple Gale databases simultaneously with a single query.

Note: The list of Gale databases that can be included in a cross-search continues to grow. However, your library may subscribe to some databases which cannot be cross-searched. These collections are listed separately on the Gale Databases Menu.

Here's how to launch a cross-search:

  1. From the Gale Databases Menu, select one or more databases to include in your search by clicking to place a check mark in the Select box in front of a database name. Or click Select All to include all the cross-searchable collections shown in your search (selected databases will be highlighted).


  2. Click the Continue >> button to launch the PowerSearch platform and begin performing cross-searches.

Note: Once you begin cross-searching databases, you will be re-directed to PowerSearch. You will be able to conduct searches, create a Marked Items list, save Bookmarks, plus use the many other features Gale products offer. Refer to the Help within PowerSearch for more information.

You must include at least one database in your cross-search. On the search input forms (for example, the Basic Search page), the system will display the list of databases you are currently searching, along with the total number of documents searched. Clicking the Currently searching nn databases with nn documents link will take you to the Gale Databases Menu. In addition, the database from which each document was found will appear as part of your search results.

Your library may have chosen one or more databases to be selected by default for inclusion in a cross-search. Also, the system will "remember" the last set of databases you searched during your current session. Simply click on a Select box to remove the check mark if you do not wish for a particular database to be used in your next cross-search.

Hint: If there is a check mark in the Select All box, you can click to remove that check mark and in doing so, you will de-select all databases (remove all check marks). Then you can select individual databases as needed.

Once you are cross-searching using PowerSearch, you may return to the Gale Databases Menu by clicking Change Databases. From the Gale Databases Menu you may either select different databases to cross-search, or decide to search directly within a single collection.

Note: The term cross-search as used here applies to simultaneously searching multiple databases of your choice using PowerSearch.