Fleet Search includes both full text resources, such as e-books and journal articles, and indexed resources, which just include bibliographic information. While you can select a 'Full Text' filter so that you only see resources you can access, we recommend avoiding this filter in your initial searches so you can see the full breadth of literature available on your topic. Remember, anything Fleet Search does not provide immediate access to can be located in other ways. It just might take a little longer - which is why you should always give yourself plenty of lead time to research your topic!
Accessing Indexed Resources
Example of an indexed record with no full text
It can be frustrating to discover the perfect resource in Fleet Search, only to realize that the full text isn't available. Do not despair! If the resource isn't available electronically, you have three options:
- Double check the resource record. Sometimes there is a note in the record that the article is available via Open Access, in which case there should be a URL or DOI that will lead you to the article.
- Check to see if we have a print copy. You should see a link 'Check Library Holdings for Availability' at the bottom of the record if you are on the search results page or in the left hand column if you are in the resource record. If we have the resource in print (usually in a journal/periodical), you will be brought to the library catalog record.
- Order the resource through Interlibrary Loan. If we do not have an electronic or print copy, you can request the resource from another library. Click on the link 'Request through Interlibrary Loan' at the bottom of the record if you are on the search results page or in the left hand column if you are in the resource record. You will be directed to the appropriate form. You can always request an item through Interlibrary Loan from the Fleet Library home page as well (bottom left hand menu).
- See if Brown has the resource. Brown University has a much larger budget than we do and can afford to subscribe to more databases. Visit their library home page to search for your resource: https://library.brown.edu/. Remember that Brown's resources are not available to the RISD community remotely, so you will have to visit one of their libraries if you want something. More info on Brown privileges here: https://library.brown.edu/info/catalogs/college-hill-libraries/.
Accessing Full Text Resources
If you want to filter your results to only include resources that you can directly access, click on the 'Full Text' box on the page below the search bar. Once your search results reload, you should be able to access any e-books*, articles, and other resources by clicking on the following links, found in the 'Access Options' dropdown at the bottom of each result:
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*see our eBooks guide for more information on downloading/checking out eBooks: https://risd.libguides.com/ebooks
Using the Tools in a Resource Record
Once you select a resource from the search results page, you will be brought to a detailed record with bibliographic information about the resource. At the top of the record, you will notice a row of many useful tools. A few notes on these:
Cite - generates citations in all major citation styles (Chicago, MLA, APA, etc.).
Share - click this to email yourself the resource record, upload it to Google Drive or OneDrive, or generate a permanent link to it. Important: Never copy the URL in your browser's address field to access the record at a later time. The URL will time out eventually and you will be unable to return to the resource record.
Save + 
Add to Project - both of these tools require you to have a MyEBSCO account. You can sign up for one by clicking on the 'My EBSCO' link above the search bar on the right hand side of the page.
If you have questions about how to manage your research or cite your sources for an assignment, please read our Citation Tools guide.