This help file introduces Steelbiz and some of the key features of the Steelbiz interface that will help you retrieve information related to steel construction. Also included in this help file is a trouble shooting guide, which will help the user to overcome common problems. If you are still experiencing problems that have not been resolved by using this help system, then please contact us.
Please note: By logging in to Steelbiz you acknowledge and accept the terms and conditions of the Steelbiz User License Agreement.
When using this help section, there are two methods you can use to speed up your search for the information you require: Using the contents, links and bookmarks included (blue underlined text taking you to another area of the page or another page or site) or, by finding and matching a word.
- The bookmarks and hyperlinks have been included to help you navigate this page quickly, so you can find what you need and get back onto Steelbiz to find resources.
- Alternatively, you can use the ‘Find’ function. In your toolbar at the top of your browser, click [Edit] and then click the [Find (On this page)] button. You can also hold [Ctrl] and then press [F]. Doing this will bring up a new dialogue box. Your text cursor should be flashing inside. Simply type in a word related to the help you are looking for, for example: ‘PDF’ or ‘Radio Button’, and the next word should be highlighted - Providing the word is actually in the help system.
Welcome to the Steelbiz help section
Using the Steelbiz Help Section
Recent Additions / What’s New for me
Steelbiz is an online library of technical information for people involved in steel construction. Some of the collections that Steelbiz provides access to include: British Standards, Books, Courses and CDs. Currently, Steelbiz contains mostly SCI publications; however, in the future it will be expanded to contain publications from other sources. Users can gain access to high quality, up-to-date technical information.
Collections Steelbiz provides access to include:
The key feature of Steelbiz is its search engine. Once the search engine has helped the user identify the appropriate information resource in the database, the user interface will allow the resource to be viewed online or to be printed.
Finding resources is easy using either simple or advanced search tools. Search results can be refined by index, classification or language. You can also set some options before making a search to enhance your results.
The additional options give your more control over Steelbiz. (Note you need to be logged in to use them.)
The majority of content on Steelbiz is accessible by all users, but only some content is printable by non-members. Restricted content includes SCI Publications and Advisory Notes. Content falls into 1 of 3 access levels:
The Home page is the initial state of the site, which you can also return to by clicking on the Steelbiz logo in the other pages. From this state you can go to Advanced Search, Preferences, Help or move straight into Resource Discovery.
On entering a search term and clicking “Search Steelbiz” you will be taken directly to a “Result List”.
The Advanced Search Page allows you to create precise search queries by combining a number of terms with Boolean operators. It also allows you to limit which resources are searched by: Language; Resource Type and Resource Format.
Note, an advanced search is always a new search. The list of results displayed under the ‘All Results’ tab can be refined using the simple search text box provided.
The Preferences Page (available from the home page) provides a tabbed series of pages covering various aspects of Steelbiz that may be personalised by you to suit your requirements. These aspects may be viewed and modified using the tools available under the ‘Preferences’ tab. The tabs are located across the top of the page. The Tools available to Steelbiz users are:
1. My Details
2. My Settings
3. My Searches
4. My Resources
5. Recent Additions / What’s New for me
6. Report a Bug
The My Details page displays your email address and user status. It also allows you to choose whether you want to be part of SCI mailing lists. There are three mailing lists to choose from:
Users are not obliged to be part of any of the mailing lists we provide.
The ‘My Settings’ page allows you to customize and personalise the way you view the resources you search for on Steelbiz. In the ‘My Settings’ page, you can change:
Display – Here, you can choose the number of resources to be returned per page each time you perform a search. For example, if you search for vibrations, there may be hundreds of resources; using this tool, you are able to choose to return between 10 and 50 per page. (Note: If there are more resources than the limit-per-page you have specified, they will be shown on the next page, which you can access by clicking ‘next’, in the top left corner of your browser window).
Resource Language – You can also choose the languages in which you wish resources to be displayed in. Please note: some resources may be available in only some languages. Please be aware, when you change the languages you wish to include or exclude, the settings will persist and remain the same the next time you logon to Steelbiz.
(See trouble shooting for changing included/excluded languages)
Lets you view the searches you have made while logged onto Steelbiz. You can then pick one search and return the list of results for that search.
Lets you view the resources you have opened on Steelbiz. You can then pick one and open that resource by clicking on the hyperlinked title.
The ‘Recent Additions’ tool lets you view a list of the most recent resources added to Steelbiz. You can then pick one and open that resource by clicking on the hyper linked title.
The ‘What’s new for me’ screen lets you view a list of the most recent resources added to Steelbiz since your last login. You can then pick one and open that resource by clicking on the hyper linked title.
The Report a Bug page allows you to report a bug or problem with Steelbiz or other SCI products. This feeds directly into the SCI’s bug tracking system.
The ‘Premium Content’ link on the Home page allows you to run a search on Steelbiz that will return a set of results that are available only to SCI Members. To gain access to the premium content on Steelbiz. you will need to become an SCI member: For more information on membership benefits, membership rates or to see a complete list of our members; please click here.
From the Home page you users can search for resources using the free text field. The words you enter in the input box will be compared against the entries in the catalogues. The results list is shown under the ‘All Results’ tab. This list indicates the total number of resources discovered, and allows you to sort the results by Relevance, Title or Date.
A set of results displayed under the ‘All Results’ tab may be refined by performing another search using the ‘Search within these results’ text box provided. A search can be repeatedly refined.
The Indexed Result List classifies all results for a particular query against the set of top level keywords from the Steelbiz thesaurus. The proportion of resources identified against each keyword is indicated, and clicking on any of the keywords will display the full list of resources identified as relevant to that term. Not all resources have been allocated keywords, therefore the number of results in the ‘Indexed’ list may be less than that given in the ‘All Results’ list.
The Classified Result List classifies all results for a particular query against the set of top level classifications. The number of resources identified against each catalogue, class or category is indicated, and clicking on any of the classes will display the full list of resources identified as relevant to that class. Not all resources have been allocated classification, therefore the number of results in the ‘Classified’ list may be less than that given in the ‘All Results’ list.
There are 5 top level classifications in Steelbiz:
When you click on a sub class, the search results page displays a list of all Resources that reference that class.
Once a set of Classified Results has been narrowed, the list of results may be further refined via the ‘Indexed’ Results page.
Results may be classified by language of the resource by clicking on the ‘Language’ tab. Not all resources have been allocated a language, therefore the number of results in the ‘By Language’ list may be less than that given in the ‘All Results’ list.
The Steelbiz bookshop allows users to purchase hard copies of resources on Steelbiz, SCI Publications, Codes (On CD-ROM) and BSI Products. For more information please visit the Steelbiz Shop. A separate help file is available.
Please note that if you have already registered with Steelbiz (www.steelbiz.org) you will need to register separately in order to buy items from the Steelbiz Shop.
You may browse the shop and place products in your shopping cart without registering, but when you proceed to purchase you will be asked to register. You can Register Here for the Steelbiz Shop.
When you identify a specific resource you wish to explore, clicking on its title or description in the result list, that resource is then displayed in a new window. Opening the resource in its own new window allows the current results list to persist on screen.
This section addresses many of the common problems and questions people have whilst using Steelbiz. The SCI has done all it can to ensure Steelbiz is error free and that users experience as little trouble as possible. Below is a selection common problems, each with a possible solution:
Problem
"I keep getting the message: 'You are not authorized to view this
resource' - what does it mean? I've already registered with Steelbiz."
The resource you are trying to access may be restricted to members. The basic registration process that you may have completed online provides you with 'Guest' access. If you believe that you are entitled to member access contact the Steelbiz help desk. You can request information about becoming an SCI member from the Steel Construction Institute’s website. (Students can also use this link to apply for a student membership). Click here for all other contact information
Problem
"After a search - all I'm left with is a blank screen".
Problem
“When
I choose a different interface language, nothing happens, why is this”? (Cannot
view site in other languages)
o
At the moment, this feature is not available,
even though the option is given on the site, this
feature has yet to be launched.
Problem
“After
I have entered my search, a message tells me ‘There are no results’ ”.
·
Possible Solutions
o You may have entered an incorrect resource number or title, or spelt your search incorrectly. Please check this and try again
o The Steelbiz Administrators may be experiencing some difficulties with resources and yours may be temporarily unavailable, or the particular resource you are seeking may have been added recently and may take some time to appear.
o The resource may only be available in a certain language. If you have changed your settings to only view resources in specific languages, the resource you are searching for may not be displayed. To change your language settings to show resources from all languages:
1. Click Preferences
2. Then click the ‘My Settings’ tab.
3. Here you will then see two boxes; an ‘include’ and an ‘exclude box’.
4. Simply click the option between the boxes that reads: “Include all”
5. After you have done that, click the ‘update’ button
6. Try the search once more to see if the resource you require is returned
o Relevant resources may not be available in Steelbiz
Problem
"I have to keep refreshing my browser"
Problem
"I don't have Internet Explorer"
A large majority of the resources on Steelbiz are PDF files (Portable Document Format).
Problem
“Many of the resources look the same – why”?
Problem
What’s a 'radio button'?
For general help and support on using Steelbiz, please contact The Steelbiz Help Desk.
For enquiries regarding your Steelbiz account, please contact The Steelbiz Administrator
To report irregularities in any documents you find in Steelbiz, please send us your feedback
For more information about becoming an SCI member, or, for general membership enquiries, please contact: Membership