Most library databases use Boolean operators (AND, OR, and NOT).
Use them to narrow or broaden search results.
Example:
Iran AND China AND (energy OR petroleum OR oil)
Adapted from SAIS Library, Johns Hopkins Univ. "Database Search Tips" Guide
Using AND:
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:
Example: renewable energy OR solar OR wind
Using NOT:
Example: peacekeeping NOT United Nations
Adapted from SAIS Library, Johns Hopkins Univ. "Database Search Tips" Guide
Overview of database search tips.
From Yavapai College Library.
If your initial searches bring back no or few results, don't give up! Don't despair! Reassess your search strategy.
Choosing the right search terms is key.
Database can be picky about search terms. Be selective.
If you limited the search (e.g., by date or search field) remove limiters and reassess.
Highly specific topics may be too narrow for finding results. Try a broader related topic first.
Example:
Different databases focus on different topics, so it could be that your search terms are well calibrated, but you're looking in the wrong place. View Resources by Subject or Ask a Librarian.
Broad topics tend to have a broad range of people writing about it. If you're finding too many articles related to your topic, consider narrowing down your focus and search for that narrower subtopic.
Example:
You can limit your searching in two ways: by only searching specific fields or by limiting results by different facets, often found on the left hand side of the search results.
Search fields like
Or use limiters on the side to refine by
In OneSearch, you can see options under Refine Search.
Using quotation marks searches for that phrase as a single unit rather than two separate terms.
Examples:
Records in library databases are made of "fields." Fields can help narrow your search.
Examples:
Improving Search Results with Fields
Adapted from SAIS Library, Johns Hopkins Univ. "Database Search Tips" Guide
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
Truncation broadens your search to include variant word endings and spellings. Enter the root of a word and then the truncation symbol.
Examples:
elect* = election, electoral, elections
econ* = economy, economic, economics, econometric, economique
politi* = politics, political, politician, politique, politische
The most commonly used truncation symbol is an asterisk (*)
A exception is LexisNexis Academic, which uses an exclamation mark (!).
Adapted from SAIS Library, Johns Hopkins Univ. "Database Search Tips" Guide
Nesting is the use of parenthesis to put search words into sets. Use nesting with AND, OR, or NOT,
Example:
success AND (education OR employment)
(records will contain the word success, AND either the word education OR the word employment)
Nesting is often used when search terms have similar meanings:
Example:
education AND (employment OR jobs)