SciFinder licenses faq

This page is provided to help you understand NCSU's access to SciFinder and its unique features..

Help and support:

How do I access SciFinder?

Access the web version of SciFinder via the access link on the Libraries' SciFinder page (all first-time users must register with an NCSU e-mail address). Desktop client software is no longer supported as of June 30, 2011. You can access SciFinder from on- or off-campus, but you must go through the Libraries' page in order to be authenticated as an NCSU user for off-campus access.

When did we get a web version of SciFinder?

The web version has been available at the NCSU Libraries since Fall 2008. To spread the word about this interface, we notified academic departments with a specific interest in the database, and posted information on the Physical and Engineering Sciences News blog. We communicate with all academic departments via e-mail to library representatives, with the understanding that those messages get forwarded on to all department personnel. However, we understand that mass e-mail messages can go unnoticed, and have tried a few other methods of promoting the web version. To help keep up with news from the Libraries, check out the Physical and Engineering Sciences News blog, Twitter feed, or contact Hilary Davis or Ella Hu with questions. If we missed you, tell us how we could have done a better job. We would like to hear from you. We are always looking for ways to improve our methods of getting news to the campus community.

When is access available to SciFinder? When will there be downtime?

Per CAS' operating information, the operating hours for SciFinder are Sunday 1:00am until Saturday 10:00pm. On the first Saturday of every month, SciFinder access is turned off at 5pm Saturday until 1:00am Sunday..

I am not a student or faculty or staff member at NCSU. Can I access SciFinder?

In accordance with the terms of the NCSU Libraries' licensing agreement with CAS, we can only provide access to SciFinder to university students, faculty, and staff. Users of the web version of the software must register individually with CAS, which requires an ncsu.edu e-mail address and an agreement not to use the database for commercial purposes.

Questions or comments about SciFinder ? Please contact Hilary Davis or Ella Hu or use the form below. Include your e-mail address or phone number if you would like a reply.