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 verison 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 will no longer be 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 Josh Wilson 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.

What are the advantages of the web version?

Several factors contributed to CAS' decision to cease support of the desktop client.

  • First and foremost, browser-based access to databases and journals is now the norm for all modern researchers. All recent development efforts on SciFinder have been towards improving the web version. Individual users no longer have to maintain current software.
  • The web version is robust and useful. It provides most essential features of SciFinder, and even makes many of the most commonly used advanced features more easily accessible.
  • The web version of SciFinder is much easier to learn and is more intuitive than the client version, especially for users new to SciFinder .
  • The client software restricts access to on-campus use. The web version does not.

I preferred the desktop client version. Do I have to use the web version of SciFinder?

Everyone will have to adopt the web version. The client version will no longer be supported by CAS as of June 30, 2011. Based on feedback, we expect many people will be happy to switch, but we understand that those accustomed to the client software may be hesitant to use a new platform. But experienced client software users should find the switch easy. The Libraries and CAS both offer many avenues for help learning to use the web version. If you would like some help, or the web version fails to meet your research needs, please let us know.

How many people can use SciFinder at once?

We have a total of seven licenses, or "seats", for SciFinder available to the NCSU campus community. A seat represents the number of campus users that can access the database at the same time.

Why don't we have more licenses?

SciFinder is an expensive resource, therefore the number of seats that the NCSU Libraries can purchase is limited. The number we have now strikes a balance between what is feasible within our collections budget and campus need.

What happens when too many people try to access the database at once?

If all the seats are in use, you'll get an error message ( "Your allocated system resources are currently unavailable") and you will not be able to use SciFinder. Generally, waiting a few minutes is an adequate solution. The seats free up fairly quickly most of the time. If you get this message persistently, let us know. We monitor overall usage statistics but are also interested in your specific experience accessing SciFinder .

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 Josh Wilson or use the form below. Include your e-mail address or phone number if you would like a reply.