Advanced Search (unavailable in Zotero online)

CADManager
Hi everyone,

My first post on this forum, so please accept my apologies if I duplicate an issue listed elsewhere. (Although, I have searched unsuccessfully for this one first).

I'm using an advanced search to compile the contents of a number of collections (being the separate chapters of a PhD). Both Zotero standalone and the plugin for FireFox will show this, and the sync of same works fine between versions.

HOWEVER, it seems that this feature is unavailable in the online version of Zotero. I cannot create an advanced search, and nor does my saved search show up online. This is the case for both "My Library" and Group Libraries.

Does anyone know of a solution? I'm going to post as a requested feature as well.


Thanks in advance.
Paul.
  • dstillman
    This isn't currently possible, and may not be for a while, but it's definitely planned.
  • dstillman
    In a pinch you can always drag the contents of a saved search to a temporary collection. Since items can exist in multiple collections, there's no particular downside to this (other than the hassle of doing it).

    If the collections are all within a single top-level collection, you could also enable the recursiveCollections hidden pref in your client to avoid creating the saved search and periodically copy the combined items into a temporary collection that's outside of the hierarchy.
  • CADManager
    Thanks for your feedback Dan.

    Apologies for the duplication - I thought it was a feature request (i.e. for the developers), but included it in the online forum in case I'd missed something and a fellow-user could assist.

    I'll look into the hidden pref.


    Cheers,
    Paul.
  • CADManager
    Hey Dan,

    I've checked out the hidden prefs as you suggested. As with the Advanced Search - fine for the FireFox plugin and Zotero standalone (Windows), but the parent collection does not populate in the online version.

    So a quick "heads-up":
    My friend has a number of collections for her PhD bibliography (each equates to a chapter). The search solved her needs, as does the recursive collections. BUT, whenever I offer to assist with proof-reading, etc., I cannot view the entire bibliography as one by logging on.

    Any suggestions?


    Cheers,
    Paul.
  • dstillman
    I think you misunderstood what I was suggesting. I was saying that, with recursiveCollections enabled locally, you or she could create a temporary collection that matches exactly what you see in the (recursive) parent collection, and then view that online without needing the pref to work online.
  • CADManager
    edited March 3, 2013
    Thanks Dan,

    Appreciate the response.

    Yes, I now understand. It's a pity that neither the Advanced Search or recursiveCollections work in the online version. But that will come with time, I suppose.

    We'll reproduce the search results locally when needed.


    Cheers,
    Paul.
Sign In or Register to comment.