Frequently Asked Questions
What is UDLib/SEARCH?
UDLib/SEARCH is a partnership between the University of Delaware Library and the State of Delaware Department of Education to provide access to networked electronic resources and training for all Delaware public and charter schools. UDLib/SEARCH databases include full-text online encyclopedias and full-text magazines/journals databases.
When did the UDLib/SEARCH program begin?
The UDLib/SEARCH program began on July 1, 1997. The program provided database access and training to all Delaware public high schools. Funding was continued and increased to extend access to all Delaware public middle schools on July 1, 1998. The state of Delaware increased the funding in the 2005/2006 budget for the Department of Education to expand UDLib/SEARCH to all public Delaware elementary schools.
Where are the UDLib/SEARCH databases accessible?
The UDLib/SEARCH databases are available at all computers connected to the Internet via the state network: classrooms, libraries, computer labs and offices in all Delaware public and charter schools. This includes all district offices and the Delaware Department of Education.
Can I access the UDLib/SEARCH databases from home?
Yes, UDLib/SEARCH databases can be accessed at home. Refer to the information on the Home Access Page for instructions.
Do I need special software to use the UDLib/SEARCH databases?
Yes. Each computer should have a Web browser installed, e.g. Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari. Adobe Acrobat should also be installed for use in viewing many of the files retrieved through the databases.
Can students print the articles found in the UDLib/SEARCH databases?
Yes. Students are able to print the articles using the printer connected to that computer.
Will I always see the full article in each of the UDLib/SEARCH databases, or are there instances in which I will only see the citation of an article?
That depends on which database you are using. For example, all magazines and journals found in SIRS Issues Researcher are full text, while in In Context: High School, some are full text and some have just abstracts or citations. The two online encyclopedias, Britannica Online and World Book Online, are entirely full text.
If I am only able to view a citation, and I can’t view the actual text of an article, how can I obtain the article?
Check with your school librarian.
If I am not affiliated with a Delaware public school can I get access to the databases?
State funded access to the UDLib/SEARCH databases is available only to Delaware public and charter schools. UDLib/SEARCH databases are licensed, and the license agreement identifies who has access to these resources.
Private schools physically located within the state of Delaware may participate in UDLib/SEARCH for an annual fee. For more information, contact Erin Daix at daix@udel.edu.
If my school is having problems getting into the databases, whom should I contact?
If any problems occur with the elementary school UDLib/SEARCH databases, contact Molly Olney-Zide by phone at (302) 831-0196 or by email at mollyoz@udel.edu or contact Kaitlyn Tanis by phone at (302) 831-1728 or by email at kltanis@udel.edu.
If any problems occur with the middle school UDLib/SEARCH databases, contact Dianna McKellar by phone at (302) 831-0790 or by email at mckellar@udel.edu.
If any problems occur with the high school UDLib/SEARCH databases, contact Dianna McKellar by phone at (302) 831-0790 or by email at mckellar@udel.edu.
Whom should I contact about training for elementary school teachers and school administrators?
Those interested in training for elementary school teachers and school administrators should visit the Training Information for Elementary Schools web page. Molly Olney-Zide and Kaitlyn Tanis provide training for elementary schools participating in UDLib/SEARCH. Training sessions include speaking at teacher in-service days, small group presentations, staff meetings, and individual training sessions with teachers, librarians or administrators.
Whom should I contact about training for middle school teachers and school administrators?
Those interested in training for middle school teachers and school administrators should contact Dianna McKellar, UDLib/SEARCH Database Training Coordinator, by phone at (302) 831-0790 or by email at mckellar@udel.edu. Ms. McKellar is available for all types of UDLib/SEARCH training sessions including speaking at teacher in-service days, small group presentations, staff meetings, and individual training sessions with teachers, librarians or administrators.
Whom should I contact about training for high school teachers and school administrators?
Those interested in training for high school teachers and school administrators should contact Dianna McKellar, UDLib/SEARCH Database Training Coordinator, by phone at (302) 831-6943 or by email at mckellar@udel.edu. Ms. McKellar is available for all types of UDLib/SEARCH training sessions including speaking at teacher in-service days, small group presentations, staff or department meetings, and individual training sessions with teachers, librarians or administrators.