Now that you have found your keywords and know how to use Boolean operators, we can begin searching
The Library Databases can be found on the Databases & e-Reference page linked from the Library homepage. Remote access is available for most journals.
Here are some general tips for database searching:
- To get the most use out of your keywords and the Boolean operators, use the 'Advanced Search' function on your database. This option is usually right near the search bar, often just below it. The Advanced Search will allow you to use several keywords and Boolean operators.
- All databases are set up a little differently. Some have drop-down menus to choose Boolean operators, but if you are typing them in, always put them in ALL CAPS.
- To maximize your search, you will want to add filters to your search. Filters to consider include:
- Peer-review - this makes sure that all of the articles that you are finding are peer-reviewed research and news stories, and editorials are not included.
- Date limits - depending on the type of research you are doing, you may want to restrict your findings to the most recent few years, a longer time period, or only older information.
- Full text - full text means that USA has full access to the article. This is convenient if you are running short of time, but for those articles that you cannot access but need to include, use Interlibrary Loan. This service is FREE.
- Language - you can also filter for the language that the article is written in. This is recommended, especially for the purposes of completing an assignment within the semester.
