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CINAHL

Guide to using CINAHL

FAQs on Specific Processes in the New User Interface

Below are FAQs on common functions conducted in CINAHL and other EBSCO databases.

How do I save a citation?

In the old CINAHL, citations were saved to a "folder." In the New UI, click the Bookmark icon, which sends it to Saved. You can find these citations under Saved, in the left column.  

How do I export citations for RefWorks, Covidence, and other citation managers?

  1. Go into Saved, which is in the left-hand menu. Choose the items you want: 

  2. If you want them all, click the box by "Number of Records."  

  3. For individual items, select them one by one 

  4. Next, choose the icon for Export. Be careful not to select the Download icon. 

  5. Select the citation manager you'll be exporting to.  

  6. A file will be created and downloaded. 

How do I download citation metadata in other formats, including CSV?

  1. Go into Saved, which is in the left-hand menu.

  2. Choose the items you want: 

    1. If you want them all, click the box by "Number of Records."  

    2. For individual items, select them one by one.

  3. Choose the icon for Download. (Be careful not to select the Export icon.)

  4. Select the file type you need. A file will be created and downloaded. 

Note: The CSV option provides a spreadsheet, a portion of which is shown below. This can be very useful in quickly reviewing the chosen citations, as the full abstract is available for quick perusal. You can easily search for individual authors as well. 

Note: The PDF option does not export the entire PDF, only its associated metadata. 

Where can I find Subject Headings?

In Advanced Search, “CINAHL Headings” can be found under the three search boxes. If you are using Basic Search, the link to Advanced Search is in the upper left area.

How do I start a New search?

In the left-hand menu, it’s the first option under Research.

Where is my search history?

Search History is accessible via the Recent Activity link in the left-hand menu.

How do I combine searches using Boolean operators?

  1. Go into Recent Activity and select the boxes in front of the searches you want to combine

  2. Using the combination operator (it looks like a wishbone) and choose AND, OR, or NOT

  3. The combination search will appear in the search box above; click the search icon (magnifying glass) to run the search