Online Searching Basics-
Surveying the Library's Online Databases
Once you have outlined your search strategies, the next step is determining which online databases to use. Sometimes, your topic of research makes this easy: there will only be one or two databases appropriate to your need. Other times, you may have to search several different systems to construct the collection of information you need to complete your assignment.
The worksheet "Surveying the Library Collection" can be used just for a survey of the online databases.
Selecting the Right Database
Use the Database Selection Guide or Find Databases By Subject pages to help you determine which databases are likely to have the types of information you need. Click on the names of the databases in the grid on the Database Selection Guide page to view descriptions of the various databases. Use the Find Databases By Subject Page to see all the library databases that apply to particular subject area.
Once you have selected the databases you think are best for your research topic, try your search statements in them. Then, ask yourself:
-
Are you getting any results?
-
Are the results relevant?
-
Are the results recent enough?
-
Are the results numerous enough?
Did you:
-
Try synonymous terms?
-
Expand the date range, if necessary?
-
Use the databases' controlled vocabulary to help you improve your results?
"Quick and dirty" searches in various database systems should give you an impression of how much information is readily available. As you research further, and browse your results, you will get ideas to help you refine your search topic. In some cases, you will have to narrow your topic, in other cases, you may have to expand your topic.
If you can not find enough information on your
topic, ask librarians to help to revise your search statements, or re-think the
database selections you have made.
Also, ask yourself:
-
Is an online database really an appropriate resource for my topic?
-
Should I alter my research topic?
-
