Art, Architecture, and Design Librarian
Tips
Use AND, OR, and NOT to narrow or broaden search results.
Using AND
- narrows results
- ALL terms must be in each search result
Note: in most, but not all, databases, the AND is implied. For example, Google automatically puts an AND in between search terms.
Example: renewable energy AND China
Using OR
- broadens results
- searches for ANY of the terms in search results
- connect similar concepts (synonyms)
Example: renewable energy OR solar OR wind
Using NOT
- narrows results
- exclude words from search
Example: peacekeeping NOT United Nations
Adapted from SAIS Library, Johns Hopkins Univ. "Database Search Tips" Guide (no longer extant).
Use quotation marks or parentheses around search words to search for a phrase. (Otherwise most databases will find records that include both terms, but not necessary the terms as a phrase.)
Examples:
"middle east"
"united nations peacekeeping forces"
"civil society"
Adapted from SAIS Library, Johns Hopkins Univ. "Database Search Tips" Guide
- Interlibrary LoanIf you can't find the book, article, or dissertation that you want at IU, use ILL (Interlibrary Loan) to find what you need.
Interlibrary loans allow you to borrow material from non IU Libraries.
*First time users will be asked delivery information for their materials*
How to Request:
- You will need your IU username and password to request material
- Visit the Submit a request page OR search Worldcat.
-
- To use the Submit a request page, have the book information (title, author, etc) ready.
- In Worldcat the "Request materials from ILL" link will fill in the book information for you.
- To use the Submit a request page, have the book information (title, author, etc) ready.
- Photocopies of journal articles can also be request through the Submit a request page.
You will receive an email from Interlibrary loan when your materials are ready for pickup.
- Evaluating Your Strategy ChecklistTips on evaluating and revising a search strategy.
From Univ. of Washington Libraries.