Searching Smart: Keywords
When you search in the databases listed on this guide or on the Internet, don't limit yourself to one search!
Think about the information you are searching for and brainstorm a list of the various keywords that describe your topic. Ask yourself, "Which words or combination of words will retrieve the specific information you need?" As you retrieve information, take note of any new/different keywords or subject terms. Then, expand or refine your search as needed.
Some keywords or phrases include:
(Wondering what these asterisks and quotation marks mean? Read the "How to Phrase Your Searches" box below.)
How to Phrase Your Searches
The library's databases may have different interfaces, but they do share basic search principles. Some of these principles are listed below. It is important to look for the "Advanced Search" option of the database as it offers you greater control over the construction of your search.
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Boolean Searching |
Boolean Searching is the cornerstone to an effective search strategy. Boolean searching refers to searching using a combination of words and the three Boolean Operators: AND, OR, NOT. NOT will exclude a word from your search results. If you are retrieving too many records on an unrelated topic, try eliminating a word with the operator NOT. |
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Phrase Searching |
To search for two or more words in the exact order in which they are entered, enclose the phrase in quotation marks "". |
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Truncation |
Truncation allows you to search the "root" form of a word with all its different endings by adding a symbol to the end of a word. Truncation symbols vary by database (check the help screens or ask a librarian), but are usually one of the below: |