How do I search HOLLIS Databases?

HOLLIS Databases doesn't have its own User Guide, but here are a few tips:

WHAT IS HOLLIS DATABASES?

HOLLIS Databases is a tool for identifying specialized search engines and large collections of digital materials. It is a curated subset of HOLLIS records, selected by Harvard librarians.

The filters and advanced search options on HOLLIS Databases are optimized for searching for databases. Custom search options include the types of materials contained in the database (“content type”), custom subject categories (“subject category”), and the ability to search by vendor (“publisher/producer”). 

Note: HOLLIS’s main search page also includes “databases” as a resource type, but the results are less curated. Searching for databases on Library Catalog or Catalog & Articles will typically give more, less focused results.

HOW DO I SEARCH IT?

HOLLIS Databases searches descriptions (not the contents) of the major electronic resources licensed by Harvard Library.

Try searching just one or two keywords and then use the filters to narrow your results to specific subjects or content types. 

Start with broad subjects, regions, time periods, or format types. You can use the same search operators as for HOLLIS. Examples:

• french OR france OR francophone
• civil rights
• medieval OR “middle ages”
• clinical
• magazine*

SPECIAL FEATURES: SUBJECTS & BEST BETS

HOLLIS Databases uses a custom subject list designed for databases, in addition to the Library of Congress subject headings that you find throughout HOLLIS. These custom subjects are listed under “Subject Category.” You can find the full list under "BEST DATABASES FOR:" on the landing page.

Best bets (top 10): a “best bet” star means that the database is one of our top 10 recommendations for that subject. The main HOLLIS search also displays these “best bet” stars.

"We suggest" (top 3): select a subject from the list on the landing page, and our top three recommendations will display under “we suggest” at the top of the results list.

Additional technical documentation is available on our staff wiki

Related FAQ: Does HOLLIS search inside Harvard Library databases?

Have another HOLLIS question? Our HOLLIS User Guide provides an overview of HOLLIS's features and functions.