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Alerts are automatic searches that are delivered to you either by e-mail or RSS.
Many databases and search engines allow users to set up alerts, either for a custom search or for the table of contents of a publication or journal. These can be very useful to a researcher doing a long-term project because the alert is performed automatically and the results are delivered directly to the researcher with little extra effort after its creation.
Successful alerts depend on writing a good search strategy and on revising that search when necessary. If you are not satisfied with the results you receive, change the search to improve the results. View the Help files of the searched database for assistance or you may contact a librarian to help you refine your strategy.
Links to instructions for how to set up alerts using different publishers or databases. In addition, sometimes the Web site of a journal provides a way to create a Table of Contents alert.
Results of alerts do not necessarily provide access to full-text. To find full-text, use the Finding Full-Text LibGuide.
Some search engines will allow you to save searches and set up alerts, too.