Search Tips for Library Databases
- Identify what kind of sources you need.
- Start in Research Databases by Subject or QuickSearch.
- For overviews look in Reference databases such as Credo Reference, which contains all reference books or Research Starters in Quick Search.
- Type keywords in basic search box.
- Add more keywords to narrow search.
- Limit to full text and/or peer-reviewed, publication date, source type, geography, or other filters when needed.
- Use smaller, specialized databases like Social Science Database when you need journal sources.
- Use Issues/Controversies databases for argumentative topics.
- Use quotation marks around phrases.
- Try AND, OR, & NOT if needed.
- Sort results by relevance or publication date if needed.
- Try an Advanced Search option when needed.
- Use a print-friendly option when available.
- Use a variety of sources for research papers—reference books, magazines, newspapers, journals.
- Ask a library staff person for help.
