Search Tips for Databases: General

1. Use asterisk * at end of root words: predat* (gives you predator, predators, predation)
2. Use quotes around a phrase if words must be together: "global warming"

1. Don't use so many terms. Keep it simple and broad to start. Less is more.
2. Don't use words like "aspects", "effects", "influence". These are ideas that are assumed in a paper and may not be used in the abstract. Instead use the word for the effect itself.
3. Use just the genus name if the genus/species yields little.
4. Use both common and scientific names: MAPLE or ACER
   
5. Use truncation: conserv*  will yield conserve, conservation, conserving
6. Look for related terms in your results to expand your topic.

1. Add terms one at a time for additional aspects.
2. Use quotes (usually) around words in a phrase
3. Choose your keyword(s) to appear specifically in the TITLE field. The article will be more relevant.
4. Limit to ENGLISH
5. Limit to selected subject areas if available (Scopus)
6. Limit to REVIEW articles to get an overview

Boolean Operator Changes

AND, OR and NOT are only interpreted as Boolean operators if they are in UPPERCASE (e.g., flowers OR trees, trees NOT maples)

If searching for book titles and phrases using these words, do not capitalize. Examples of phrases and book titles with no Boolean operator:

• And then there were none
• And so it goes
• To be or not to be

This applies to databases such as Academic Search Premier, EconLit, MLA International Bibliography.

Keep your search simple

• Search the most obvious, broad term first; see what you get. You can narrow your results from there.
• Don't complicate your search. 1-2 terms may suffice.
• If you need to retrieve more information, then expand the number of terms you use (see next step).

Search on key concepts (using synonyms if necessary) one at a time

• Define your topic into 1-3 key concepts and search each separately.
• Example: Effect of forest fires on animals. Chart terms relating to each concept:

Use AND, OR, NOT accurately:

• OR combines related terms of one concept, (FIRE* OR BLAZ* OR BURN*) - any one of those terms can be present in the result set
• AND combines different concepts together - both conditions must exist in your result set
• Search using wildcards:

• Results in Set #3 are articles relating to BOTH the concepts of fire AND animals
  » "Drought, fires, and large mammals"

Build your sets of concepts, then combine them as needed

• You may choose to search additional terms or concepts to refine your results
• Use NOT to eliminate an aspect of no interest

• Your results will encompass the idea of fire AND animals, but NOT involving grasslands

The SEARCH HISTORY command shows your previous searches. You can return to them, or combine them in different combinations as you refine your search.

Don't waste time getting nowhere. After 10-15 min., ask an SRS librarian for help!