Database Search Tips

Check the Obvious

• Always know the dates of coverage.
• Know what kind of literature is covered -- English Literature, Art, Science, Popular or Scholarly, etc.

Searching

• Know the language of the database. Does it have controlled vocabulary? Who controls the vocabulary used in the database?
• Know in which fields the database is searching for your terms.
• Use keyword searches to give an overview of the literature, or for general information.
• Use subject searches to obtain more specific information.
• Think about your perception of the meanings of the words in your search terms, and in what context they may be used. Use alternative terms.
• Look at the complete records. Does it tell you if the citation is from a book, a journal article, or a conference paper? What volumes of the journal will you need?

Moving Around and Printing

• Use the navigational buttons provided by the database, rather than the ones in the web browser. Results will be more accurate.
• Check to see if records can be reformatted for printing. This will save everyone paper!
• Check to see if you can download or email yourself the results of your searches. This may be handy if you are in a hurry, or if the printers are not working.