Search Tips for Library Databases
The following tips will work in MOST library databases.
- Start with basic searches and fewer keywords. You can always narrow down your search as you go by adding more keyword later. Library databases are not like Google; inputting too many keywords might not get you any results.
- Use * as a wildcard symbol on the end of words. This strategy lets you look for all endings of a word instead of just the one you typed.
- For example, a search for spillway* will retrieve articles with the words spillway and spillways.
- Caution: do use * sparingly. Examples of bad searches:
- Spill* will retrieve articles including the words spill, spills, spilled, spillover, spillway, spillways, etc.
- Bio* will retrieve articles including the words biology, biography, biomedical, bioremediation, etc.
- When searching for specific phrases, use quotation marks around the phrase.
- For example, "tunnel outlet*"
Boolean Searching
| Boolean Operators | Example | Results | When to use |
| And | "Morning glory spillway" and design | This search statement will only retrieve articles containing both the phrase morning glory spillway and the word design anywhere in the record. | To narrow a Search when you find too many items or when your search results do not address your specific topic. |
| Or | "trash rack*" or "bar screen*" | Finds any articles containing either the phrase trash rack or bar screen. | To Broaden a Search When you can't find enough information or when you need to find information on a topic that can be described by different terms. |
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