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Libraries Indiana University Bloomington

Introduction to Library Research

A companion guide for the workshop of the same name.

Go Deeper- Search In Your Subject Area

After you've tried some broader sources, you will likely find yourself needing specific types of materials. The best place to start for this is going to your discipline. Find your subject area, and browse the extensive list of databases and guides your subject librarian has to offer.

Search Strategy Builder

The Search Strategy Builder is a tool designed to teach you how to create a search string using Boolean logic. While it is not a database and is not designed to input a search, you should be able to cut and paste the results into most databases’ search boxes.
  Concept 1 and Concept 2 and Concept 3
Name your concepts here.    
Search terms Search terms Search terms
List alternate terms for each concept.

These can be synonyms, or they can be specific examples of the concept.

Use single words, or "short phrases" in quotes
or
or
or
or
or
or
or
or
or
or
or
or


Now, cut and paste the results into the search box of a library database (or Google).
 
The Search Strategy Builder was developed by the University of Arizona Libraries and is used under a Creative Commons License.