Languages

In an effort to present most accurate and detailed information to users, the KCHA Project Team presented information in Korean (original script), Romanization, Romanization without diacritics and English where applicable. Fields such as title, creator/author and publisher are particular areas where we have used multiple forms of languages.

The Korean language was romanized using the McCune-Reischauer (M-R) Romanization system. Please refer to 'Korean Romanization System' (Guide to Database → Korean Romanization System) if you would like additional information.

Consequently, you may use Korean characters as well as the Alphabets in the search function. Note: if you are using Korean characters you must place an asterix after your search term, i.e. 밴* 

Search Functions

Please note that the search functions are ONLY applicable to the KCHA Database, NOT the entire KCHA Website.

There are three types of search functions you may use, Keyword Search, Advanced Search and browsing by Search Facets.

Keyword Search

• Located on the 'Home' page 
• Enables users to search the KCHA Collection using any keyword(s)
• Keywords entered into the search box will be searched in all fields
  • If you would like to search under a particular field only, please use the advanced search.
• How to search
  • Place keywords of interest in the box and then press enter.
  • The system will search for the keyword throughout all fields in the KCHA Database.
  • Search results will appear on the the screen.
  • If you are using Korean characters you must place an asterix after your search keyword, i.e. 밴*

Browse by Search Facets

• Search facets enable browsing of KCHA Collection items according to each of the metadata elements (ie. Date, Language, etc.)
  • Users can browse the KCHA items organized under each element field
• Intended for users who are not familiar with the contents or the organization of the KCHA Collection
• Located on the 'Search' page
• Enables users to explore the KCHA Collection by using multiple filters
• How to search
  • Take a look at a list of facets under a particular element/field.
  • The list of facets may be longer for some fields.
    • If you would like to view more items, click 'Show more'.
  • A number in a parenthesis that appears at the end of each term/phrase indicates the number of collection items containing this particular facet.
  • If you would like to see items that contain a particular facet, click on the '+' sign.
  • The facet you select will appear on the upper left hand corner with an 'x' in a parenthesis. You can click on the 'x' to de-select or undo the selection of the facet.

Advanced Search

• Located on the 'Search' page
• Enables users to use multiple keywords to search the KCHA Collection
• May use a keyword to search under any one of the metadata elements or a combination of multiple elements at one time
• May use Boolean Logic to narrow or expand your search by linking search terms with the three connectors: AND, OR or NOT.
  • And
    • narrows a search by linking two or more terms
    • Use the connector AND to retrieve items that must have BOTH terms
  • Or
    • broadens a search by linking two or more terms
    • use the connector OR to retrieve items that may have EITHER term
  • Not
    • narrows a search by excluding items containing a second search term
    • use the connector NOT to find items that have the first term but not the second
    • use NOT with caution; you may exclude relevant items
• How to search
  • Place a keyword of interest in the search box.
  • If you are using Korean characters you must place an asterix after your search keyword, i.e. 밴*
  • Use the scroll down menu to select what field you would like to search the term in.
  • If you would like to search the database with one keyword, click on the blue 'Search' button.
  • If you would like to further refine your search, click on the '+ Add new criteria' button. Another search box will appear.
  • Select an appropriate Boolean Logic to link search terms.
  • Type in another keyword of interest in the search box and select a desired field to search the term in.
  • If you would like to further narrow or expand your search, you may use multiple search boxes by clicking the '+ Add more criteria' button.
  • If you would like to remove any search box, click on the 'x' button.

Limitations

The KCHA search function best operates on the basis of a word or a phrase rather than single letter characters.

The search will match exact word or phrase. This means that the search will only recognize a particular word if an user types in this exact word without any deviation. Use an asterix at the end of your search term if you want to broaden your search results.

For example, it is best to add an asterisk to your search term ('Korea*') to return results for 'Korean' and 'Korea'.

According to the rules of the McCune-Reischauer (M-R) Romanization system, '대한민국' is written as '대한 민국'. Searching '대한민국' will not bring up an item that contans '대한 민국' but adding an asterisk to your search term (대한*) will return results for '대한 민국'. Also, if you place a white space in the correct place (대한 민국), your search terms will return results for '대한 민국'. Searching '대한' will also bring up an item that contans '대한 민국'.