MALVINE performs a simultaneous distributed search over selected European manuscript catalogues offering data about modern manuscripts and letters. Two search modes are available: a Simple Search and an Extended Search.

Simple Search

Choice of catalogues
At the top of the search page is a list of the catalogues searchable in MALVINE. A choice of catalogues to be searched can be made by clicking on the relevant checkboxes. A click on Select all will include all catalogues in the search.

Display of data descriptions and links to local catalogues
Information about the different catalogues searchable in MALVINE can be displayed by placing the mouse over the relevant catalogue name. A click on the name of the catalogue will open the local catalogue's website in a separate browser window.

For item
A click on the drop down box for item will display the searchable MALVINE data types. Within the simple search option these are: name, title, all items.

Containing term
Having selected the required MALVINE data type in the for item box, you must enter a search term in the containing term box. The MALVINE Search Server will start the search process after you click on the button SEARCH.

MALVINE does not make a distinction between upper and lower case. The use of diacritics is optional, but if used they result in a different search result: a search for "Prevost" will find "Prevost" and "Prévost", a search for "Prévost" will find "Prévost" but not "Prevost". The German Umlaut are handled differently: a search for "Boll" will not find "Böll" while a search for "Boell" will.

Truncate
It is possible to enter only parts of a search term in the containing term box. In this case the truncate checkbox needs to be ticked.

Example: a search for "martin" with an activated truncate checkbox will retrieve "Martin", "Martinet", "Martini" etc. but not "Demartin".

Request / Feedback
MALVINE offers the option to request copies of manuscripts and/or submit feedback relating to any number of catalogue records. This option is available on the Detailed Search Results page. However, searchers should note that, when ordering copies, MALVINE can only act as an intermediary between the user and the institution holding the original manuscript. Terms and fees for copying are determined by the holding institution. Submitted feedback will be communicated to a local key person who will respond if appropriate.

Extended Search

For item
A click on the drop-down box for item will display the searchable MALVINE data types. The MALVINE extended search offers 4 for item boxes to allow for a refined search. These for item boxes are combined by implicit Boolean operators preset to AND. Within the extended search option the searchable metadata elements are: name, author, addressee, correspondent, about (all of these applicable to persons), title, place of origin, country of origin, date of origin, document type (all applicable to manuscripts).

Containing term and Term Navigator
Having selected the required MALVINE data type in the for item box, you must enter a search term in the containing term box. The MALVINE Search Server will start the searching after you click on the button SEARCH. Note: Searches for some MALVINE data types (country of origin, date of origin, document type) will only produce results if a controlled search term is chosen. A list of valid search terms will be displayed when clicking on the Term Navigator.

MALVINE does not make a distinction between upper and lower case. The use of diacritics is optional, but if used they result in a different search result: a search for "Prevost" will find "Prevost" and "Prévost", a search for "Prévost" will find "Prévost" but not "Prevost". The German Umlaute are handled differently: a search for "Boll" will not find "Böll" while a search for "Boell" will.

From year - To year
Users have the additional option to search across a range of dates by entering two different years in the From year and To year boxes.