Chemistry database updates

A few major changes to chemistry databases are occurring these days:

*The web version of SciFinder Scholar is now available to the NCSU community. As you may know, CAS has historically offered only a desktop client version, usable only from campus. The good news is that this change enables users to get to the chemical abstracts database from off campus, and the web version is a surprisingly versatile product. Complicating the situation, however, is that access is still governed by our number of available seats, and in fact, we must distribute these seats between the web and client versions. So, while the web version broadens access to the database, it has the potential to increase the number of turnaways. We will monitor turnaway statistics closely in the upcoming weeks and months, and re-allocate the distribution of seats as seems best. Both web and client versions of SciFinder are available through the databases page on the Libraries' web site. Note that web users are required to complete a brief registration with CAS to use the product.

*We are discontinuing our access to DiscoveryGate. This is the web version of the Beilstein and Gmelin (and other) databases. We did not get as much usage as anticipated, nor did we get very positive feedback on the product from our users, and therefore could not justify the continued expense. Beilstein and Gmelin users can continue to use the CrossFire Commander client to access the databases (campus use only). If you talk with any users who wanted to get off-campus access, the VCL may be an option. Please put them in touch with me or Hilary Davis for further information.

Please let me know if you have questions or field an increased number of questions about SciFinder or Beilstein/Gmelin in the near future.