Use the right term(s).

Think of terms you would use to find information on your topic. Consider antonyms of the terms. You may need to use different terms according to the database you use. Use Boolean logic (and to narrow, or to broaden, not to exclude) to link the terms together.

Use the right database(s).

What is/are the best database(s) to use to find the information you need? Examples of databases are the library catalog, ProQuest Research Library, and Google.

The library's catalog is an online, searchable database of the library's collection of books and of audio/visual materials.

Most online databases are where you would retrieve journal, magazine, and newspaper articles providing abstracts and/or full-text articles.

However, there are some online databases that index sources other than periodicals.

• WorldCat - a list of library materials held by most worldwide libraries
• Xreferplus - over 100 reference books
• WorldAlmanacs - information from 5 different almanacs
• Encyclopedia Britannica Online

Online search tools such as search engines and search directories search the world wide web for web sites but be careful about the information found on the Internet. Evaluate the web site to determine its authenticity and reliability.

Use the right access points.

Access points are how you search a database. You can change your access to the databse by selecting point from the drop down box next to the text boxes where you enter your terms.

Some common search fields are:

• keyword - search the database with the terms or phrases entered,
• subject - search the database using exact terms or phrases used by the database to describe a particular topic (This is the controlled vocabulary of the database. For example, the library's catalog database uses the Library of Congress Subject Headings as its controlled vocabulary.),
• author - search the database for the works by an author, and
• title - search the database for works that have terms or phrases in the title.