Search Tips and Tricks
Enter a query into the main full-text search bar using HeinOnline's standard search syntax.
After a search query has been entered, a comprehensive list of results pertaining to the query will appear. Each result contains a document summary containing useful information such as the document type, title, volume number, Congress session, and more.
Selecting the Advanced Search link located beneath the main search bar allows users to search particular fields within the metadata (indexing) for more precise results. Search by session, document, and volume numbers or by keyword, title, or year. Further refine a search by searching only within certain sections, like American State Papers, House Bills, Senate Documents, and more.
On the Serial Set home page, Volume & Citation Quick Locator tools are provided which enable users to simply enter a Serial Set volume number or citation to retrieve the content.
Entering a volume number directs the user to the specific session of Congress to which the volume relates, as well as a list of titles within the volume.
Entering a citation will take the user directly to the document in question. If an incorrect or incomplete citation was entered, the user will be directed to a list of recommended citations.
With the beta release of a Venn Diagram Search, users can visualize the results yield of various keywords to better refine their searches. To use the Venn Diagram feature in the Serial Set, select the Advanced Search hyperlink to find the Venn Diagram option within.
Users will be redirected to a search bar, instructions for its use, and example searches. Enter a search for multiple terms separated with the Boolean operators "AND." A Venn Diagram will appear, illustrating the various combinations of those terms and their respective results yield throughout the Serial Set. The original search combining all terms will appear by default, visually represented by the red intersection of all circles.
View the results of other combinations by selecting the Clear button above the diagram to be able to hover over the various options. Users will see all possible search term combinations highlighted as the cursor hovers over them. Click one of these highlighted circles or intersections to bring up the results of the various combinations or the results of one term.
After entering a search query, users will also notice facets on the left-hand side of the results page. Facets allow users to limit their results by Date, Congress Session, and Document Type.
Tip: Begin a search using more general terms and utilize facets for more precise results.
