SciFinder is a specialized database of chemistry literature such as articles, chapters, patents, conference proceedings, technical reports, and dissertations. SciFinder is a good choice when doing research, checking chemical properties, and looking for information about chemical substances and reactions.
To find databases go to Library homepage --- Resources --- Database.
This database is only available to current NU Community members who have an NU email account. Use the tabs below to navigate to the different features of SciFinder.
Before you start can start, register for a personal account using your NU email address. Follow the instructions in the database description. Now you should be able to login to SciFinder-n by clicking on the title of database.
Since your account is not with the Library if you forget your password or login details you need to contact SciFinder.
Once logged in, the first screen you see will default to is the Reference search. There are three ways to search: Reference, Substance, and Reaction.
You can access the different search types from the top left of the page under Explore or on the left of the screen.
There are some unique types of searches you can do.
On the right of the screen you will always see the option to retrieve saved sets and to create a "Keep Me Posted" email alert.
As a part of the Library's License Agreement with SciFinder there are a couple terms and conditions that you should be aware of since SciFinder monitors the searching and downloading activity of users.
Users must follow the Information Use Policy. Here are a few excerpts
"Each User is permitted to download and retain a maximum of 5,000 Records and a maximum of 5,000 Molfiles at any given time for personal use or to share within a Project team for the life of the Project"
"A User may make electronic or print copies of CAS Records and distribute them to others within the Organization where the User is employed as long as the use constitutes reasonable use."
"CAS Records or Metadata may not be used in Data Mining with non-CAS or non-STN tools"
When you access SciFinder, you agree to the following User Agreement
To learn how to use the types of searches and other features SciFinder has a really good set of step by step tutorials.
SciFinder: Information Retrieval (Book)