Searching in a database is different from searching the web. Use these tips to start your search:
Below are a few databases for finding articles in scholarly journals, magazines, and newspapers. You can find the full list by subject or A-Z through the Library's website under Databases. These databases often provide full-text articles. If not, click the gold UILink button to check options.
1. Create a Research statement
This can be in the form of a question or a sentence. Just think about what you want to research and write it down in one sentence.
2. Identify the Keywords
Look at your research statement. What are the main words or concepts? They will likely be nouns and can include phrases. Highlight them.
3. Think of Synonyms
Look at the words/phrases you highlighted and think of synonyms or alternate phrases to describe these concepts. Scholarly articles often use words that we wouldn't use in ordinary life.
4. Search in the Databases
Pick two or three words/phrases from your list. Put each concept in its own search box.
5. Use Boolean Operators
The most common operators used in databases are AND, OR, and NOT. Make sure you separate different concepts/keywords by AND, and use OR in the same box to combine synonyms.
6. Search again!
Try different combinations of words to get different results. Add more words to narrow down your results. Look at the "Subject" headings for each article to see what keywords are being used the most.