The AutoAlert service, which is available for the Ovid databases, allows you to be notified by email of recent articles added to the databases on specific topics or by specific authors. With this feature, you can create and save a search strategy in one of the Ovid databases to be automatically run against subsequent updates. The results or retrieval from your final set will be sent to your email address. This service is available only to Ovid users with personal accounts.
Creating an AutoAlert:
- Create a search.
After selecting a database, create a search strategy as you would normally. The search strategy can be very simple -
a single subject term or the name of an author you want to track, or complex - making
full use of Ovid's powerful search and limit features. The final set of your search strategy
will be used as the retrieval for the AutoAlert.
- Click on "Save Search/Alert" beneath the Search History.
- Under "Type" select the "AutoAlert (SDI)" option.
- Name the search and include comments if desired.
Give the strategy a "Search Name" which will serve as the filename. You can include more information about
the strategy in the comments box.
- Specify the email address(es), formatting options, and scheduling options.
Provide your complete email address and the complete email addresses for any other recipients.
When the update becomes available, your retrieved documents will automatically be sent to the email
addresses specified. Modify the "Email Subject" line if desired. Select the desired output formats or accept the defaults already marked. Select scheduling options.
- Click the "Save" button to save the AutoAlert.
You now have an AutoAlert that will be run against a database for its most recent entries.
There is a 300 citation maximum on all AutoAlerts. If your search consistently retrieves more than 300 citations, you should consider talking to an Information and Education Services Librarian about modifying your search strategy.
For more information, contact the Library Service Desk at 660-1100 or mclref@mc.duke.edu.
