Library database search works best when you...
- Break your topic into keywords, and consider synonyms, broader and narrower terms
- Use results to help you brainstorm keywords and refine topic
- Apply filters for format, date, and other criteria relevant to your research (above your search results or to the left)
- Use search operators to build your search
Search operators
() = a search box; have one concept per box
AND = combines terms (narrows search)
OR = gives the database a choice (synonyms, broadens search)
“ ” = phrase search (keeps words together)
* = wildcard to allow for spelling variations (e.g., child*)