The website versions of the ThesaurusMD offers the various search and retrieval options and ways to access and display information. If you prefer, access can be monitored and controlled.

The user's experience needs to be kept in mind so they can explore the content. The user will be able to do various basic to advanced searches. However, they can also look up information at any point:

• For example: if someone enters a search term the thesaurus is automatically checked for the correct term used in your database(s).
• Additional cross-referencing can also be done using translations and looking up catagories of terms.

Search options

Each database product will include search and retrieval options similar to these below:

Basic searches

Similar to a web search like Bing or Google where the user simply enter a search term, or terms, and the user gets a result. This kind of search avoids frustrating a user who is unsure what to search on. However, it is not a useful search option if looking for something specific; hence, an Advanced searches should also be offered.

Guided searches

Guide the visitor through the content such as:

• Look up a list of terms
• Look up a list of terms according to a category
• Look up other databases using the same terminology

Advanced searches

• Search specifically on various terms across various categories and translations
• Provide searches-within-searches, i.e. searching only within a category

Every search option will provide

• Clear and distinct list of search results.
• Access to relative components, i.e. if searching a term you can view results according to a specific database.
• The search results should offer a print button so the user can print the list for reference purposes.

Full documentation

If a user clicks on a term after a search they will view full details, i.e. scope note, related terms, translations ...

Many variations when searching such as:

A basic search where and term or terms can be entered:

Or guided search options - guiding the visitor through your data via catagories.