Initially, Scirus will cover Elsevier Science proprietary information databases, such as ScienceDirect, BioMedNet, and ChemWeb, as well as scientific information that s freely available on the Web. According to the announcement, Elsevier Science will approach other companies providing scientific information and invite them to make their proprietary databases searchable through Scirus. Scirus offers both a simple search and advanced search option. Search results are presented with a brief description and with codes that identify whether it s a Free or Restricted Access item. Clicking on an article that s available through ScienceDirect, for example, will bring up a log-in screen asking for a password.
Users can refine the results of a search and are presented with suggested keywords.
Science searchers should definitely put this new search engine through its paces and provide input on what they would like to see. If you are wondering about the name, Scirus was an ancient seer who came from Dodona at the time of the war between Eleusis and Athens. According to the site, We chose the name Scirus for our scientific search engine because science is a visionary discipline in which you are continuously working on new ideas and developments. The search engine will support you in a proactive way and will support your role as seer. In related news, Elsevier Science announced that it will expand the collection of journal backfiles offered on ScienceDirect.