Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to log in?
- Generally, yes, because the terms of our subscriptions to licensed databases require that we provide access only to authorised University of Melbourne users. If you don't log in, you will be considered a guest, and guests can access only a very limited range of resources. Also, when logged in as a guest, nothing you save will be accessible to you beyond the internet session in which you saved it. Log in using your University email username and password.
[If you have forgotten your UoM staff/student login details, go to
the online Accounts page to create/reset an email username and password < http://accounts.unimelb.edu.au/ >. However please note that creation
of an account is not always immediate. If you are a University of Melbourne staff member and you are not able to reset your password, contact the Themis Service Desk ]
What if I'm not from University of Melbourne?
-
As a guest user, you may still access the many free resources that are available via SuperSearch, such as the Library catalogue. Free resources are those which do not have a lock
against them. Additionally, a small number of designated machines in libraries ("Express Terminals") provide guest access to some restricted resources where licence conditions permit.
I have affiliate or approved borrower status - what about me?
- If you belong to an affiliated organisation and have previously gained access to licensed databases by visiting the library, you should now look for the "Express Terminals" in libraries and use them.
- If you have a university staff card, login using your username/password . [If you've forgotten your username/password go to
the online Accounts page to create/reset an email username and password < http://accounts.unimelb.edu.au/ >. However please note that creation of an account is not always immediate. If you are a University of Melbourne staff member and you are not able to reset your password, contact the Themis Service Desk ]
- Affiliated staff and students who are eligible for a University of Melbourne staff or student card can also activate (as above) a central University of Melbourne email username/password for access to electronic resources. Otherwise your Faculty can advise you if you are eligible for honourary membership. To activate an account, go to
the online Accounts page to create/reset an email username and password < http://accounts.unimelb.edu.au/ >. However please note that creation of an account is not always immediate.
Does my login timeout?
- Yes, after approx 30 minutes (2000 seconds to be exact!) of complete inactivity.
Do I need to log out?
- Yes, otherwise others can access your My Stuff area. Click the Logout button, or close the browser.
My username/password doesn't work.
Try resetting your password at accounts.unimelb.edu.au Check that
your username hasn't changed whilst you are doing this process.
If your username/password still doesn't allow you to log in to
SuperSearch register your details with the online IT Service desk < http://servicedesk.unimelb.edu.au/ > to have your account cleared.
I am concerned about my privacy. What is the best way to protect it if I use SuperSearch on a uni computer?
- When you've completed your SuperSearch session, always be sure to exit out of the browser and if you have logged on to the computer, log off the computer.
Why do I see Source It 
before I get to the full text?
- Source It gives you multiple retrieval options so that if one source is currently unavailable, you are still presented with options for other sources.
I don't want to search with SuperSearch, I prefer the native interface. How can I get there?
- Wherever you see a database name underlined, simply clicking on the name will take you directly to the native interface. This is consistent across all screens, whether in a resrouce sets list, a results list. To find a particular database, use Find Database.
I don't like the library's resource sets, can I create my own?
- Yes, save your favourite databases to your clipboard and make up your own sets any time you like. For more information, click the My Stuff tab, select the online "Help" button, and look under "My Databases".
How do I see my previous searches?
- Previous Searches are located under the MetaSearch tab. This is a record of searches performed in the current session only. If you wish to preserve searches across sessions, you must save the search by using the
add button to save it to your saved searches (search history).
How do I refine a search I have done?
- From your results screen, click on the MetaSearch link to access "refine" options.
My search keeps on refreshing without stopping! What's happening?
- You are encountering transient internet congestion. Click "view retrieved" to view what you have so far retrieved, or click cancel to return to your search screen and click go to instantly re-run it.
Does SuperSearch work with EndNote?
- Yes. For best results it is recommended that you use EndNote 9 or higher.
My lecturer has given me a list of recommended journal articles. What is the best way to check if an article is available in full text via SuperSearch?
- Click on the Find an Item tab and enter as much detail as you can about the journal article, eg article title, author, journal name, etc.
Does SuperSearch work with any browser?
- The tested and recommended browsers for SuperSearch are: Internet Explorer 6, Firefox 1.5 +, and Safari for the Mac. However, SuperSearch may lose some functionality in some browsers, eg using Firefox on a PC you may lose the ability to scroll through resources. Internet Explorer is recommended as it is the University's supported browser. More browser information here.
Can I make deep links into SuperSearch components such as the Find Ejournals tab, or to a particular database?
- Yes, you can, but beware of this risks!! Details here. (It's safer to let SuperSearch maintain your links for you; that's what it's for!)
I click on Source It and nothing happens. Why?
- Check that your browser is not set to block pop-up windows. If it is, you will need to add these addresses to your "allow" list:
- sfx.unimelb.edu.au
- sfxt.unimelb.edu.au
- or, simply add *.unimelb.edu.au to your "allow" list
Is SuperSearch the best way to search everything?
- No SuperSearch is good for gaining an overview of a topic or conducting an introductory search. In many other cases, you should continue to use the "native" interface of a database, if SuperSearch's searching is not sophisticated enough for your purpose.
I've lost my search by using the Back button!
- Don't use the web browser Back and Forward buttons at all with SuperSearch - use the built-in navigation links in the top menus and elsewhere. There is always a way to avoid using the browser buttons.
Why can't I search a particular database within MetaLib?
- Not all databases can be configured to work with SuperSearch's search software. Sometimes all we can do is provide a link to the databases's native search interface. More and more publishers and vendors are developing their products to work with cross-search engines such as SuperSearch.
Why don't I see all the results from my search?
- Your search may have retrieved a large number of results, but SuperSearch will only display the first 30 results from each resource in ranked display order. If you wish to see further results just click on the retrieve more link at the top of the results list.
How do i get more information and training?
