Searching by Keyword
It is important to map out how you will go about searching library databases, the library catalog, or even search engines like Google Scholar for research materials on your topic prior to beginning your search. Here is an example of a search strategy worksheet [PDF] that you may find helpful as you read through this page.Steps for Creating a Search Strategy
1. Summarize your topic
2. Identify main concepts (keywords)
3. Identify synonyms, alternate words and/or related words
4. Try different combinations of keywords
Example: How does exposure to smokers affect children who have asthma?
What are the main concepts or keywords?
.....smoking, children, asthma
Think of synonyms, alternate words or/and related words.
.....secondhand smoke, smokers..... toddler, pediatric, child .... allergies, breathing problems
Develop your search strategy using the terms above.
Mix and match terms. If one keyword doesn't work, try to vary your keywords with synonyms.
Boolean Operators
Boolean operators help to narrow or broaden your search. The most useful are AND, OR, NOT which help to connect keywords or concepts.
You can use more than one Boolean connector in the same search statement:, such as:
.....Depression AND Teenagers OR Adolescents
.....Smokers AND Children AND asthma OR breathing problems
.....Anorexia AND males AND college
At this point in the tutorial, you should have a research topic and a list of some keywords as well as a search strategy. Next, let's find books, articles and other materials to use in our research.
Tips for Effective Searching
- Google and Google Scholar Search TipsTips on narrowing your search in Google, as well as setting preferences and creating alerts in Google Scholar. Courtesy of the University of South Carolina University Libraries.
- Google research made easySearch savvy tips and tracks for advanced Google searching, from Berkeley Library.
- Top Ten Database Search TipsA quick overview on best practices when searching databases, from Berkeley City College.