Our literature search engine RiO enables parallel research within the printed and digital holdings of the university library as well as in numerous specialist databases and free academic internet sources.
Research in RiO
In addition to books and e-books, the search results also include articles from specialist journals.
Info about RiO
What is behind it?
ExLibris (PrimoVE) technology is used for the technical foundation (search engine index) and the visible user interface.
In terms of content, the literature search engine combines the printed library holdings, licensed e-books and e-journals, many - but not all - licensed specialist databases and freely available sources (open access publications).
A link to the full text (online access) is provided for all electronic sources licensed by us. Please note that this content can only be used outside the Fachhochschule Dortmund university network via the VPN client (more at intranet.fh-dortmund.de/vpn(Opens in a new tab)).
How do I deal with (too) many hits?
General search queries in particular can produce an unmanageable number of hits due to the large amount of data searched by the literature search engine. In this case, try out one or more restriction criteria from the left-hand menu column, which you can use to change and reduce the hit list. You can also use the search to search directly in different areas. To do this, please select one of the following areas in the search slot, which primarily influence the type of sources searched:
All: the two search areas listed below are combined here. You search the library's printed and electronic holdings as well as databases, open access providers and other sources simultaneously.
Library catalog: printed books and journals as well as e-books, e-journals and AV media. You will not find individual articles with this setting!
Articles and more: Full texts of articles and references from various subject databases, Open Access hits in the form of e-books, articles, etc., and more.
You can also select one or more literature types (e.g. books or e-books) to refine your search even further.
By default, as you are used to from other search engines, the results are sorted and displayed according to relevance. To sort them chronologically instead, use the pull-down menu at the top left of the hit list.
Data export, personal login and other tools
When you enter your search terms, the search engine automatically suggests search term additions that you can select and which offer you further access to the topic you are looking for.
In the single hit view in the "Send to" section, you will find various options for conveniently using the bibliographic data, e.g. exporting it to a reference management program, sharing it via a permalink, forwarding it by e-mail, etc. In addition, various citation suggestions are offered.
After a personal registration you can save the literature you have found on a watch list and manage your search results in this way. Search queries can also be saved in this way. You can find information about your login details here(Opens in a new tab).
When using a mobile device, the display of the literature search engine adapts automatically.
Help for searching in RiO
We have compiled a few tips on how to use RiO on this page.
