Browse:
Most of the library databases require you to translate your topic into keywords or phrases that best represent the main ideas of your topic. To come up with keywords for your research, consider doing the following:
1. Think carefully about your topic. Write it out in a sentence or two.
2. Circle the key concepts in your topic sentences.
3. Try those keywords as search terms in WorldCat or other library databases. Use AND to look for different facets of your topic:
breakfast AND academic achievement
Use OR to look for words that mean the same thing within the context of your topic:
college OR university OR higher education
Conduct the search and evaluate the list of information sources in your results.
If the keywords you chose do not seem to be retrieving relevant materials, you may want to explore synonyms for your keywords.
1. Brainstorm synonyms or related terms for your key concepts. Be sure to consider what scholars would use. For example, scholars rarely write about “teenagers” and instead use “adolescents,” and the latter term tends to yield many more relevant results.
2. These are now your search terms. Experiment with different combinations of the terms using AND/OR.
3. When you successfully find sources that are relevant to your search, pay attention to the keywords and subject terms in the database record and the source itself. This may lead you to additional sources.
If you need additional help, make an appointment with your librarian!
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!