Q. How can I save my database search results?

The easiest method of saving search results is to create a personal account in a database. UW students, faculty, and staff are all provided the ability to create an account. The three major databases platforms we use are ProQuest, EBSCO, and Web of Science. Each platform allows you to set up an account and save your research there. However, choosing this option requires that you manage three different accounts and to remember to sign into your account prior to beginning a research session. Another option is to use a citation management system. (See more informaton below.)

• For ProQuest databases, click on the human silhouette icon in the upper-right corner. This is the "My Research" option. Follow the instructions to establish a new account. Be sure to use your UW email address so the ProQuest system will recognize your account as an authorized user. Once you have created an account and are signed in, your recent searches are saved to your account. To see your most recent search results click on the far-left icon in the upper-right corner. This icon is a counterclockwise circle with a clock face. If you hover over the icon a text box will appear that read "Recent Searchs."
• For EBSCO databases, click on the "Sign In" link on the topmost menu. Click on the "Create a New Account" link and provide the required information. Again, be sure to enter your UW email address, not a commercial account. You can access your search history by clicking on "Search History." This link is located under the boxes where search terms are entered. This option will give you a list of all the searches you have done on your topic. Again, copy and paste your search strategy into your assignment.
• For Web of Science databases, click on the "Sign In" link on the topmost menu, then select "Register." Enter the required information. Be sure to use your UW email address. To view your searches, click on "Search History" located under the Thompson-Reuters logo in the upper-right corner.
• Other databases that are not part of these three major companies usually have some method of creating an account to save database searches. If not, there is usually some type of search history that is available until the browser is closed. Look for the "Help" icon in these databases.

Here are the instructions for saving the search history in popular nursing databases.

• In PubMed, the best approach is to go to the advanced search here. You will add terms and the PubMed database will show you how your search is developed. The box labeled "Query Box" shows how the PubMed computer interpreted your search. The box labeled "History and Search Details" shows all the searches you completed during your PubMed session. That will show your search strategy. Copy and paste this information or download this into a document to submit to your professor.

• In CINAHL, click on "Search History." This link is located under the boxes where search terms are entered. This option will give you a list of all the searches you have done on your topic. Click "Print Search History" or copy and paste your search strategy into your assignment.

• In Nursing and Allied Health Database (ProQuest), locate the icons in the upper-right corner. Locate the icon with a counterclockwise circle with a clock face. If you hover over the icon a text box will appear that read "Recent Searchs." You can download a .pdf or copy and paste this information.

Be aware that for any database your search history is permanently deleted once you exit the web browser. However, there are options to create accounts in the major database platforms provided by the UW Libraries. These accounts allow you to save search histories and results in a cloud-based account. This FAQ provides information on setting up an account in these databases.

A better solution is to choose a citation management system. This library guide covers the citation management tools that are available to you to save and organize your research.

RefWorks is highly recommended and it is free to students, faculty, and staff. Almost every database that you can use has a button that allows you to export your search results to your RefWorks account. RefWorks also has a function of allowing you to organize information into folders, as well as easily format a bibliography using all the popular styles (APA, MLA, etc.).