Alerts (PAMS reference)
From WolfWikis
Setting up search alerts today can save you a lot of time down the road. Why return to a database and conduct the same search every week to see if there is any new information? You can have the database e-mail you new results every week.
Most modern databases allow you to set up a search alert. Here is an example from Web of Science. The specific links may be different in other databases, but the procedure is generally the same. Look for links to Alerts, Save Searches, or Search History in whatever database you're using.
1. Enter the Web of Science database.
2. Sign up to create your account. Click the 'Sign In' link along the upper bar. You will need to register if you are a new user. When you've successfully registered and signed in, return to the search screen. (You might have the All Databases tab selected at this point. Return to Web of Science by clicking the tab.)
3. Conduct a search to see results.
4. On the results page, click Search History. This opens a new menu, click Save history/Create Alert. Here is where you're setting up your alert.
5. Name the history and optionally add a description. Check the box to send e-mail alerts of the last search in your history. Change any of the frequency or other options you wish. Click Save.
That should do it. You should now receive a regular alert e-mail listing any new records that match your search. Even if there are no new records, you'll get an e-mail saying that, so you'll know it's working.
RSS feeds
Many databases and journals also offer alerts through RSS feeds.