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Introduction to the Library

Basic Search Tips

Tips for using search terms: 

  • Phrases: create phrases with quotation marks -- "adult children"
  • AND: use AND when you want to find all the words in a search -- "adult children" AND divorce
  • OR: use OR when you will be happy with any of the terms -- "parental divorce" OR divorce

Creating Search Terms

Write Keywords:

  1. Write out a single question or statement for your project; underline 2-4 core terms in the sentence.
  2. Make a list of additional terms for each core term; similar, broader, narrower, and related terms.
  3. Not every author will use the same terms so generating a list will find more sources more quickly.

Example:

this is an example following the 3 steps listed above; it is a research question with 3 keywords underlined and alternative terms for each keyword listed below it

 

Basic search with your keywords:

  • In the library main search box or in a database search box, enter your keywords
  • Connect them with "operators" like OR AND and quotation marks around phrases
  • Example: children OR "adult children" AND divorce

basic search box showing keywords: children OR "adult children" AND divorce

 

Advanced search with your keywords:

  • On each line of the advanced search option, place your keywords -- put one "topic" per line. 
  • Example:
    • Line one: children OR "adult children."
    • Line two: "parental diverse" OR divorce. 
    • Line three: "romantic relationships" OR "marital status" OR "relationship quality"
  • Every database will look different, but all will have "advanced" options with multiple lines for groups of keywords.

library database advanced search boxes showing search terms for keyword searches. box 1: children OR "adult children." box 2: "parental divorce" OR divorce. box 3: "romantic relationships" OR "marital status" OR "relationship quality"