What is 1Search MCPL?
With 1Search MCPL, you can retrieve results from the library’s catalog and our databases in a single search.  You’ll find books and other items as well as online articles from journals, magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias, and reference books.

What is a library database?
Databases are collections of searchable online articles and reference works.  Chosen by our librarians,  these databases contain authoritative information in many areas, including business, literature, current events, science, and history.

How do I search 1Search MCPL?
Simply type your search term.  Then select a category or choose to search everything.  Click on Search.

Can I use this from home?  Do I need a library card?
Yes.  If you are outside the library, you will be asked for your library card number and PIN when you submit a search.  If you are within one of our libraries, no library card number is required.

How can I find out if a particular newspaper, magazine, or journal is available online?
Use our A to Z Magazine Locator for a list of titles available in full text from our databases.  Search for a particular title or browse through a list of titles.

Can all of the databases be searched using 1Search MCPL?
We offer a few databases that are not searchable in 1Search MCPL.  You can access them directly from the list in 1Search MCPL or from the A to Z List of Databases.  In 1Search MCPL, a grayed-out box appears next to the databases that must be searched individually.  An example is the Auto Repair Reference Center.

In what order are results displayed in 1Search MCPL?
Results appear as databases respond to the query.  The fastest databases are displayed first.  You can sort results by date or relevancy or in several other ways.  Try the “clustered” sort to see results by subject.  On the right side of the screen, a “scorecard” displays the number of hits from each database.

How do I search a single database?  How can I use the advanced searching features of a particular database?
Click on the name of your chosen database from within 1Search MCPL to search only that database.  Or choose the database from our A to Z List of Databases.

If I don't find what I want with the 1Search MCPL, what else can I do?
Use our Research a Topic section.  For more help, please contact Ask-a-Librarian reference services.

Whom do I contact for assistance?
Please read our Troubleshooting Tips for solutions to common technical problems. If you need further assistance, please complete this form to report technical difficulties.  For assistance with your research, please contact Ask-a-Librarian reference services.