SCIFINDER WEB FAQ

Why we need to switch to this new interface.

(With thanks to Ben Wagner, SUNY Buffalo)

Since 2000 we have accessed SciFinder [Scholar] via a custom, downloaded client program. A Web platform is now available for users.

 

Q1. When is the deadline for switching to the web interface?


Between now and November 16, 2009 we will migrate all access to the SciFinder Web version.

Q2. Why the rush?


Due to the high cost, UIUC purchases only 6 simultaneous users (seats) on the system. These 6 seats cannot be dynamically allocated to either web or client access. They must be exclusively designated as either web or client seats. Dividing this small number of seats into two smaller pools creates unacceptable turn away rates. Hence, we need to move quickly to be 100% web.

Q3. How do I access the new web version?


All patrons must register for an individual user i.d. and password. The database producers do not give us (or anyone else) any choice about this matter. To register, go to our CAS SciFinder Registration site. Once you have registered, simply go to the SciFinder web login page. (https://scifinder.cas.org)

Q4. So why is CAS abandoning the client and moving to the SciFinder Web?


There are a number of compelling reasons!

• Security is greatly enhanced, which helps prevent hackers from outside our university tying up our very limited number of seats.

• Eliminating special client software will solve many installation and support headaches and free up space on your hard drive.

• Display of information and navigation features are generally greatly enhanced.

• Web version has a number of new, high value enhancements not available in the old client version, including:

  • Ability to save searches and automatically run them against all new records added to the database (Keep me posted/current awareness)
  • Similarity search on reactions, not just substances.
  • New sort features including sorting substance records by number of literature references.
  • Export physical property data to Microsoft® Excel®.
  • Tag references with helpful descriptive user-defined and searchable terms.
  • Add comments to specific references for sharing information and insights with colleagues.
  • Link to other SciFinder users within your research site to share both research comments and tagged references.
  • Retains search history for previous 10 search sessions.

Q5. Can the web version do everything the client version did?


99% of the features of the client version have migrated over to the web. CAS continues to improve the web version every 9-12 months. Only a few obscure client features are not yet available in the web version:

• Analyzing substance records by ring skeletons, stereo configuration, variable group composition, and R-group composition.

• Listing of other databases on CAS’ multi-vendor database platform (STN) that contain information on a given substance.

This short list pales in comparison to all the new features available only on the web version.

Q6. What about downloading references to EndNote?


The process is essentially identical to the client version. The name of the link to save references locally has changed from ‘Save As’ to ‘Export’. One still chooses the ‘Tagged Format’, saves the file to one’s computer, and then imports into EndNote as a second step.

Q7. Who should I contact if I have questions or problems?


Please contact Tina Chrzastowski, chrz@illinois.edu, or in the Chemistry Library, 333-3737.