Max Planck Virtual Library FAQ
- What is the Max Planck Virtual Library ?
- Who may use the Max Planck Virtual Library ?
- How to register ?
- Is remote access possible ?
- How can I find out which resources are included in the Max Planck Virtual Library?
- What is the difference between resources I can link to and resources that are searchable by the Max Planck Virtual Library ?
- What is the difference between the original interfaces and the Max Planck Virtual Library interface ?
- How many resources can I search at once ?
- What is SFX ?
- Can I submit loan requests via the Max Planck Virtual Library ?
- Whom do I contact if I need help or want to submit a comment ?
What is the Max Planck Virtual Library ?
The Max Planck Virtual Library is a web-based portal for scientific information resources which enables users to access library catalogs of the Max Planck Institutes, various reference databases, full-text collections and other information resources available in the Max Planck Society. Many of the resources may be searched simultaneously under a common interface. Links to the respective original interfaces for more advanced searches are also provided. You can create a personal resource list (permanent only for registered users), use the the SFX (context-sensitive linking) button to locate the full text or additional relevant resources; download search results or store relevant records in a personal baskets (only for registered users) and save search strategies for future sessions.
Who may use the Max Planck Virtual Library ?
The Max Planck Virtual Library is primarily designed for staff and guests of the Max Planck Society. For the different user groups, there are various ways to have access to the Max Planck Virtual Library:
- Registered users may login in with their Ovid user ID and password at any time within a vLib session. Logged-in users have the benefit of full access i and can use all available features.
- Non-registered users from within the IP-range of a Max-Planck-Institute can use the "guest account" which does not offer personalized services
- Non-registered and external users may also access the Max Planck Virtual Library as "guest". You will, however, only have access to resources which are unrestricted by licensing conditions.
How to register ?
Max Planck users without a personal user ID may fill out the online application form in order to obtain their individual user name and password.
Is remote access possible ?
Yes! As a registered user you can sign in with your user ID and search all databases via the vLib interface. But when you link to the original interface of a resource you leave vLib and will may be confronted with IP-restricted access.
How can I find out which resources are included in the Max Planck Virtual Library ?
The Find Database feature offers you various opportunities to search for available resources from different points of view. To get a complete overview of available resources click 'GO', and browse through the list of resources. Use the "Locate" tab to search by resource categories, by resource name, by resource type etc.
What is the difference between databases I can link to and databases that are searchable by the Max Planck Virtual Library ?
You can search all resources. The difference is that databases without a tick box in the MetaSearch module can be searched via the vLib user interface (individually or simultaneously), whereas the other resources can only be searched individually via their original interface.
What is the difference between the original interfaces and the Max Planck Virtual Library interface ?
The original user interfaces (e.g. Ovid, Web of Science, CSA, Aleph) have been designed for optimal use of the respective resources and include highly specific search capabilities and features. The common search interface provided within the vLib portal allows individual or simultaneous searching of various resources, but does not offer the same differentiated approach and advanced tools which the original interfaces provide. For most resources SFX buttons will also be available when accessing via the original interfaces. For more details or questions contact the vLib Project Team.
How many resources can I search at once ?
At the moment the simultaneous search is limited to 20 resources.
What is SFX ?
SFX is a context-sensitive reference linking solution that allows users to click on an item referenced in an infomation resource, view a menu of specific services available for that particular item, and then to directly enter the selected information resource at the relevant level. Services may include: access to the full-text, check for holdings in a library catalog, view the table of contents, find citing papers, search for relevant web-sites, etc. For more information please see the MPG-SFX FAQ. (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I submit loan request via the Max Planck Virtual Library?
Not at the moment. Currently, loan facilities may be available through some Max Planck library catalogs. In most cases, you can link to the local library catalogs, where you need to follow the instructions. Otherwise, please contact your local librarian.
Whom do I contact if I need help or want to submit a comment ?
Please use the contact form to address the vLib Project Group, or contact your local librarian.