Databases - Why create accounts with database publishers?

Do you spend a lot of time in library databases? If so, consider creating an account on some of your favorites.

Many database publishers will give you an option to create an account. This can be helpful in a variety of ways:

• Saving articles-of-interest. You can set aside articles to a folder. Sometimes you do not need an account to do this, but you must retrieve your articles before you leave the database, or they are lost (Hope the electricity doesn't go out, or the computer doesn't lock up!) If you're logged in to your account, the articles will still be available next time you log in!
• Saving favorite searches. If you are often looking for the same type of article, then you can save searches for future use. This is helpful when your search is very elaborate, and difficult to repeat.
• E-mail notification of new search results. This is even more helpful than the item above. Not only can you save your searches, but you can also create an e-mail alert to notify of new articles matching your saved search!
• E-mail notification of new journal/magazine issue. If you have a favorite journal, magazine, or newspaper that is available in a library database, you can set up an alert which lets you know when a new issue is available.

(Most of these things apply to article databases, but it's always worth checking for options like this in any electronic resource.)

For more information, please check out my Slideshow, which shows you some of the options available in various databases.