Browse:
How you search in a specific library database may depend on the type of content you are looking for. Most of the time, when you search for scholarly articles (in databases such as JSTOR) you will be using keywords related to your topic. In the library’s WorldCat catalog, you might also use keywords, or you might be looking for a specific title or author.
It can be helpful to use the Advanced Search feature in any library resource because it will allow you to easily combine various search options.
Use the filters and limiters available to make sure you get the most precise and relevant results.
Author search: When you are searching for a known author, use both the author's first and last name to narrow and focus your search. Note: Be sure to check each database's help section to verify the order in which an author's first and last names should be entered in an author search.
Title search: As a general rule, exclude leading articles such as 'a,' 'an,' 'the,' etc. that may be included in the title of the book or journal article.
Keyword search: Keyword searching allows you to search for any word/phrase or a combination of words, anywhere they appear in the database. Boolean operators (and, or, not) can be used to combine the keywords together in order to broaden or narrow your search.
Subject search: Unlike keyword searching which is very broad, searching by subject allows you to focus your search on a particular topic. Depending on the database you are using, search results from a subject search may retrieve a list of subject headings that you can browse. Subject searching may be called 'topic search', 'descriptors search', or 'browse' depending on the database you are using
Consult with a member of Research Services on your research assignment or project.
Or drop in to the Research Help Area (top-right corner of the first floor on the map).
Drop-in hours:
Chat with a member of the library staff to get answers to your questions!