Q. Is there a way to save a search result? In other words, if I have found a good combination of search terms and settings, can I somehow save that com

I'll answer this as a qualified "yes." The ability to save searches, and the ease of doing so, will vary between databases.

A majority of our databases are produced by a company called Ebsco, and saving in searches in their databases is simple.

Here are the basic concepts you will need to follow. If you have problem with the details, let me know.

a). In any of our Ebsco databases (SOLAR, MedLine, CINAHL, Business Source Premier,  Academic Search Premier, etc.) you will need to create a folder. Look for the folder link/icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen and follow the directions for creating your own personal folder.

b).  Once you have created your folder, login to it.

c).  Now run your search. Immediately above your results is a blue bar - on the right had side of the bar are links for "alert/save/share." Click on this. It will give you a drop down menu. Choose the option to save the search to your folder.

d). In the future, when you want updated results from your initial search, login to your folder, retrieve the search, and then use the option to "rerun" the search.

So, that is it a nutshell for Ebsco databases. If you were interested in a different database, contact me and I will look into the details if they are not apparent.

Remember, though. if you don't login into your folder the search will be saved to a temporary folder which will be deleted when you leave the database.