ScienceDirect: Finding Full-Text: Account Types

Unlike all other library subscriptions (where we pay a "flat annual fee" to license unlimited access and downloads to all articles for all VDOT employees), in order to afford ScienceDirect access the library has negotiated a unique "transactional" fee that is pre-paid. At the start of each year we purchase a set number of articles that are paid up front, so we want to be sure VDOT employees who download those articles make their selections count!

To simplify the process for patrons we have created two types of accounts:

1. Regular Accounts: For infrequent users of ScienceDirect we recommend a Regular Account.

This account allows VDOT employees to search through the entire catalog of holdings in ScienceDirect. Provided they know how the process works, when the patron sees an article they need the full text for they can simply click "Get Access" and fill out an online form. Library staffers will download and send the article. The user sets up a Regular Account by default when they follow the steps in the ScienceDirect Quick-Start Guide.
 

2. Self-Service Accounts: For frequent or "super users" we recommend a "Self-Service Account"

If you set up an account and you find you are using the online form frequently to request articles, contact the library and we can convert your account to Self-Service. Self-service is far more convenient, however, the patron who does this agrees not to download too many articles (more than 10 a month is too many) without discussing their actions with the library first. If you have a Regular Account but want to switch to a Self-Service Account contact Ken.Winter@vdot.virginia.gov