You can search a variety of databases using the EndNote search interface. To do this you need a connection file. A connection file is a piece of software that allows you to search a database over the Internet, without leaving EndNote. You can then select references from the database and import them directly into your EndNote library.

Connection files only work with database which support a particular search protocol called Z39.50, so not all databases can be searched using the connection file.

A list of Connection files can be found on EndNote. If you cannot locate a connection file on EndNote more connection files can be found on the UQ EndNote Page and the Endnote website.

A list of downloadable connection files can be found here.

Additional connection files for library catalogues can be found at EndNote Connection Files website.

If you download a connection file from the websites you must insert the connection file in the correct folder. The default location of the connections folder is:

c:\Users\(on Windows 7 and Windows Vista)

c:\Documents and Settings\[UserName\My Documents\EndNote\Connections (on Windows XP

To begin searching online:

1. In the top left-hand corner of your EndNote library window, click on the Online Search Mode button. This is the third of the three mode buttons (picture of the world). Once you have selected it you will see that the words Mode appear in the blue ribbon.

2. To select a connection file in EndNote click on Edit>Connection Files> Open Connection Manager.

3. A list of connection files will appear. Click in the box beside the connection files you want to use. Make sure a tick appears in the box.

4. Once you have selected the Connection files - click on the black x on the top right hand side to close the list. If you click on the red x you will close EndNote.

5. This will return you to the main EndNote page. In the blue column on the left of your screen you will see that the Connection files you selected now appear below the Online Search heading.

6. You can now begin searching a particular database or catalogue by clicking on the connection file.

7. The EndNote online search screen will appear so you can enter your search terms. Some databases may prompt you for a username and password. The name of the database you are searching will appear in the Online search tab.

8. Once you have typed in your search terms click on Search. A dialogue box will appear stating the number of references that match your search:

9. If you are happy with the numbers click on OK and the results will appear on your screen. You can alter the number of items retrieved by typing in a smaller number eg. 50 - to only retrieve the first 50.

10. You can double click on any of the references to open them and view the full details.

11. To select a reference to transfer to your library - hold down the CTRL key and click on the required references.

12. Click on the Copy to Local Library button on the library toolbar. The references will be transferred to your library.

13. If you wish to search the database again, go back down to the Tab Pane and enter the new search.
When you have finished searching, click on the Local Library Mode button (second mode button on the top left of the screen - picture of books) to return to your library.

14. When you eventually close your library, EndNote will ask you "Are you sure you want to discard all online references?" You have already transferred into your library the references you wanted to keep, so you can click on the OK button.

NOTE:
When searching, Boolean operators are processed strictly in the order of input. So if you are looking for material on "Forestry in Indonesia and Malaysia", you must construct your search as "Indonesia OR Malaysia AND forestry" . If you input the search "forestry AND Indonesia OR Malaysia" you will retrieve every record on the database which includes the term "Malaysia".

Connection Files do not always import data accurately. All references should be checked after import.