Find Articles: How do I search these databases?
Database search screens may look very different, but the standard search features are the same. Here are some essential search strategies for every researcher to follow:
1. Identify the main concepts (or keywords) that describe your
research topic. Let’s say you are researching the impact
of instant messaging on the decline in English grammar. Possible search
terms are "instant messaging" and "grammar."
More on keywords
2. Search by “keyword.” A keyword search retrieves articles that have your search terms anywhere in the article record. (Keyword searches are sometimes called default fields, etc.)
3. Identify the correct “subject headings” for your
topic. Databases use a special terminology, “subject headings” or descriptors ,
to describe what an article is about.
More on searching by “subject.”
4. For more help, Ask
a Librarian!