Saving searches and alerts

About saving searches and alerts

Saving a database search allows you to go back, look at your results, and re-run your search.

Setting up an alert means you will be notified via email when new publications or references on your topic are added. 

1. Before saving a database search, you need to create an account. 
2. This will be different in each database, but these are the basic steps:
3. Look for a “Sign in” link, usually in the top right-hand corner of the page.
4. Click “Create a new account”.
5. Follow the prompts to create an account using your University of Sydney email address.

1. Click the “Save Searches” or “Alerts” link, which is usually located at the top of the search page or below your search history.
2. Give your search a meaningful name.
3. Enter a description, including the date and the database you are using - this is helpful for platforms that have multiple databases, such as Proquest or Ovid.
4. In some databases you will have to select “Saved Search (Permanent)” and click “Save”.
5. To create an alert, set the frequency, date range and email options, then click “Save”.
6. Click “Continue” to finish saving your search.

1. Sign into your account.
2. Click “Retrieve saved search”.
3. Click “Return”.
4. Scroll down to see your results.