What is SFX?

SFX is an application developed by Ex Libris, that creates links from citations in selected databases to related resources available from the Drexel University Libraries.  The links created may include sources for obtaining the full text of an article, the library catalog to look for the item in print, document delivery/interlibrary loan request form and other choices.

Are SFX Links found only in databases?

No; you may see SFX links in many other places. For example, the electronic journal lists on the Drexel University Libraries' web sites now have SFX links. By generating the electronic journal lists dynamically with SFX titles, coverage dates, and access routes are kept up-to-date more accurately and efficiently.

How do I use it?

When you see an SFX button or link next to a citations in a database that is SFX-enabled, click on the button or link to open an SFX menu in a new window, displaying a list of services relevant to that citation.  From this menu you will be able to:

• Link directly to the full text of the article if the library has a subscription.
• Search the Drexel Libraries catalog to see if the journal or book is in the library.
• If there is no full text available through the library, order a copy using Document Delivery or (for books) PALCI E-ZBorrow.
• Get help from a librarian.

When you see an SFX button under a journal title in the electronic journal lists, click on the button to open an SFX menu in a new window. The window will list one of more electronic sources for the full text of the article, a link to check print holdings in the library catalog, and several help options.

Keep in mind that there are two new browser windows that will open when using SFX. The first is the list of services; this window also contains citation information from the source database. When you select one of the SFX services, a second new window opens with these results.

Why so many windows?

So you can browse the full text of an article, search the catalog, complete an interlibrary loan request, etc. without losing your original search (but don't forget that some databases may timeout if left inactive too long).  You can resize the windows as you wish, and use alt-tab to move between them.

What if the new windows don't open?

If you use one of the popular "pop-up" blocker utilities it may block the SFX menu window; temporarily disable your pop-up blocker, or add the site you're searching (where you found the SFX menu button) to your blocker's list of sites from which pop-ups are allowed.

If you're browsing a list of citations, or looking for several journal titles, you may not see a new SFX window open because it is already there! Press alt-tab to see icons for all the windows you currently have open, then press alt-tab again until you find the one labelled "SFX by Ex Libris". Likewise, full text or other sources may also appear in windows that are already open.

Why don't I always see the same choices in the SFX menu?

SFX builds a custom menu for each citation, depending on what options are available.  For some citations, there might be multiple full text sources available; for others, none. 

Sometimes when I click on the full text link, I only get to the journal's home page or table of contents.  Why?

SFX depends on the information it can derive from the original citation, and limitations set by the publisher's or other provider's website -- some allow direct access to a specific article, some require that you navigate from their entry page or table of contents.  SFX will get you as close to the full text as possible, within these limits.

What if I'm using the electronic journal list to find a particular article?

The menu of SFX options will show you where that journal title is available electronically. Look closely at the Availability information under the title to see whether the volume, issue, or date you need is available, then click on the title link. Depending on the source, you may go directly to that title and be able to browse by volume or issue, or you may have to use a search function to find your article.

The SFX menu had a full text choice, but when I got there I couldn't find the article I wanted.  Why?

If it is a very recent article, it might have been included in a database before the publisher made it available electronically. In very rare cases, a typographical error in the original citation might prevent SFX from finding the article.  Use one of the "Need Assistance" links on the SFX menu to email us, or call one of the libraries if you need help.

But if there isn't a full text link in the SFX menu, the article I want isn't available electronically, right?

Not necessarily; while most of the nearly 12,000 electronic journals available through the Drexel University Libraries are included in the SFX configuration, there are some journal providers that are not yet open to SFX.  Search our full list of e-journals to see if the journal you need is in one of these collections.

If it really isn't available online, how can I get it?

Use the Catalog search to see if we have the journal in print.  If we have it in print, but not at your "home" library, or don't have it at all, use the document delivery/interlibrary loan form to request the article you need.

Can I use SFX from off campus?

Yes, any Drexel University faculty, student or staff member can use this service via an Internet Service Provider when authorized using their University ID and password.

Help! I'm still confused.

Email us, or call one of the libraries at these number listed below -- we'll be glad to help.