In response to many user requests, a few years ago PubMed developers added the ability to search its more than 17 million records by first or last author. However, for the PubMed searchers who infrequently explore the sidebar options and pull-down menus, these features may remain unknown.

The simplest way to identify records with a desired first or last author is to use PubMed's Single Citation Matcher. You can find the link to the Single Citation Matcher near the middle of the PubMed sidebar. On the Single Citation Matcher page locate the checkboxes for Only as first author and Only as last author located below the blank for entering Author name. Please note that if you check both boxes simultaneously, PubMed will ignore both selections and perform an author search with no restrictions.

If you prefer to enter the search strings directly in PubMed, follow one of these examples:

• "Von Eschenbach AC" [1au]
• "Von Eschenbach AC" [lastau]

Single-author publications will be retrieved by either first or last author searches.

The records retrieved by PubMed searches can also be sorted by first or last author. To change the order that results display from the default of newest records first, use the Sort By pull-down menu located in the row of pull-down menus above the search results. Additional Sort By options include journal name and article title.

Current Protocols are comprehensive, reliable and updated manuals of the latest methods and new techniques in various scientific disciplines. The Research Medical Library subscribes to seven Current Protocol titles, and will add a new title to its suite of protocols in January, 2009.  The Current Protocols available through the Library’s website include: 

• Current Protocols in Bioinformatics
• Current Protocols in Cell Biology
• Current Protocols in Cytometry (coming in January 2009)
• Current Protocols in Human Genetics
• Current Protocols in Immunology
• Current Protocols in Molecular Biology
• Current Protocols in Protein Science
• Current Protocols in Stem Cell Biology

The protocols can be accessed from the Library’s website at http://ga6zr9ch7u.search.serialssolutions.com/?V=1.0&L=GA6ZR9CH7U&S=T_B&C=current+protocols

In February, 2008, Wiley-Blackwell, the publisher of Current Protocols, announced its plan to integrate biological research videos into the Current Protocol content.  They are working with the Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE) for the production of these online videos.  These videos will further expand the functionality and value of Current Protocols for users.

Another source of protocols available through the Library is the Cold Spring Harbor Protocols database.  These protocols can also be found on the online journals page, as well as on the databases page.  The URL is http://cshprotocols.cshlp.org/search.dtl. 

Please contact Sheryl Widdoes at 2-2812 or email swiddoes@mdanderson.org with your questions or suggestions for library resources.

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