Database Research

Library Database Research Strategies

Database searches can be challenging. You may end up with too many results or none at all. Using proper search techniques, you can locate an ideal selection of source material.

Brainstorm keywords

* Keywords are critical for locating the right information.

* This is how you “talk “to the program and ask for information.

* Use dictionaries and thesauri in the databases for alternate words that may be more accurate.

Example: texting AND driving 0 results text messaging AND driving 3000 results

Research Question: ______________________________________________________________________

Primary words Alternative words More alternative words

____________________ ____________________ ____________________

____________________ ____________________ ____________________

____________________ ____________________ ____________________

Use appropriate command words

You can use the word OR to link similar terms or ideas together. For example, “Dogs OR Canines” will find articles on either of these terms.

The word AND will retrieve articles that have both words together. For example, “Dogs AND Cats” will have information about both animals.

Think about how you can use AND & OR in combination

TERM | AND | TERM | AND | TERM |

Dogs | | Cats | | Spaying |

OR | | OR | | OR |

Canines | | Felines | | Neutering |

Use Delimiters to refine your search

* Date: search for the last 3 years.

* Scholarly / Peer reviewed journal: written by experts for experts and reviewed by experts. (Magazines articles are written for the general public with less depth of information)

* Full text: Not all articles are available online. Full text will articles will be available in their entirety.

* Subject headings: group together articles on one subject/topic.

Manage your results

* Look for more accurate...