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Search Everything Tool: Overview

Search Everything Tool


The Search Everything Tool allows you to search all of the Library's collections at once. The search box is located on the Library homepage and can also be accessed by clicking on the Search Everything link under the Resources heading in the main menu of the Library website.

How To Use It

Pictured below is the search box on the Library homepage where you can enter your search terms. The Advanced Search button is located beneath the search box. Clicking there will open more search options.

Search Everything search box

Once you conduct a search, your results will appear. Need to refine your search? Use the menu beside the search box which allows you to search all of the Library's collections, the catalogue, articles or course reserves.

Results page search options

The Advanced Search link is located beside the search box. Clicking there will open more search options. See the tabs in this guide for more options to refine your search, if needed.

Pictured below is the detailed record for an item, revealed after clicking on a title in the result list. 

  • The detailed record offers tools to access the permalink, a citation, email, print and more
  • You can also access the full-text of the item if available, from this screen. Note: you will need to sign in with your 9-digit Mohawk ID and password to access licensed resources
  • Scroll down to see more information about the item such as author(s) and subject(s)

Item record view with callouts showing actions available, link to resource and more information

After you type your search words into the search box on the homepage, you will see your result list. You can use the options on the left-hand side of the screen to further refine your results. Click the small half triangle beside an option to open to view additional options. For example:

  • Under Availability, you can select only items that are available online, open access items, peer-reviewed journals or items available for loan from the Library
  • Under Resource Type, you can select the type of resource you are interested in such as articles, books, videos, etc.
  • Under Publication Date, you can select a date range
  • Under Databases, select the database you would like to search

The left sidebar contains a series of facets you can use to refine your search results.

Your result list will look like what is pictured below. Notice the Refine Your Results facets on the left. You will also see some other options:

  • Click the Pin icon to add resources to a list. If you sign in, results will be saved to your account for later retrieval!
  • Sign into your account using your 9-digit Mohawk ID and password, by clicking Sign in in the top right.

Primo VE results list showing facets to refine the search, sign in link and "pin" button.

When you click on a result, you will have a variety of options available. Pictured below is a search result with the Permalink, Citation and Pin buttons showing in top right.

  • Click the Permalink to get a link to that result that you can put anywhere
  • Click the Citation button to reveal a citation in any number of citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA, etc.)
  • Click the Pin button to add the item to your list. If you sign in (top right), you can save your list of favourites beyond the current session, for reference later.

Result in Primo VE result list showing options available such as Permalink, Citation, Pin and more.

Databases Not Included

The Search Everything tool includes resources from the majority of the Library's online databases. This page lists the databases that are not included and need to be searched directly. 

If you are looking for a specific database, view our A-Z Databases list and browse by title or subject.