Research

Database Search Tips & Tricks

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Here are some good tips for when your are searching the library’s databases.

Asterisk: 

  • When added to a root word, it searches for all variations of that word
  • Eco* (will search for: Ecologies, Ecological, Ecocriticism, Economy…)

Quotation Marks:

  • Searches a specific phrase (handy for searching titles)
  • “Oryx and Crake”
Asterisk Quotation

AND:

  • Narrows down your search results by grouping keywords together
  • Octopus AND Feeding Habits

OR:

  • Expands your search results by searching for multiple keywords.
  •  Octopus OR Octopod OR Cephalopod
AND OR

If you need help with the library’s databases, make sure to stop by the Library Service Desk or contact us here.