Power Search

  • Uses common command language or CCL to build queries 
  • You can save them in the Find Tool for repeated use 

You do not need special knowledge to create power searches. The easiest way to create a power search is to use the Find Tool to conduct a basic search and convert it to a power search. 

Example 1- Finding Missing Items 

Set up the basic search to query for item records with the qualifier “Circulation status” missing. 

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Basic query image

Then set up the filters to find item records only in your branch and click “Apply.” 

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Set assigned branch image

To convert this search into a power search, change the search mode from “Basic Search” to “Power Search.” 

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Convert to Power Search image

This changes the wording of the query in the Find Tool. 

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CCL in Power Search image

The benefit of this feature is that you can save this query and reuse it without having to reconfigure your filters each time. 

To save this query, click the floppy disc icon and give the search a descriptive name. 

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Save the Power Search image

Now the next time I want to execute this search I just change my search mode to Power Search and select my search in the saved search drop-down. 

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Saved Power Searches image

Saved searches are only available for your login. Anyone else who wants the saved search will need to set it up for themselves. 

Example 2- Keyword search to find available items at your branch 

Start with the Find Tool set to search Items by All keyword fields. 

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Find Tool keyword items image

Set up the filters for the assigned branch and the circulation status “Available,” and click “Apply.” 

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Assigned branch circ status available image

Next change the search into a Power Search, by changing the search mode from “Basic Search” to “Power Search.” 

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New Power Search image

To use this search, you will add your search terms between the two quotation marks. Here I am searching for the term “thrillers.” All the results will be available items at my branch. 

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Power Search example image

Power searches can be set up for anything you use the Find Tool for - such as patrons, record sets, bibliographic records, purchase order line items, and hold requests.

 

(06/21/2024)