Once you have created a list of search terms, the next step is creating searches by mixing a variety of those terms from the table you have created. For instance, let's say you search want to search "concealed handguns" AND 2nd amendment." The term "AND" in your search is an excluder rather than an English conjunction. Specifically, AND is a part of a group of computer commands called Bollean logic named for mathematician George Boole. If "concealed weapons" articles are in the red circle on the left and all of the "2nd amendment" articles are the blue circle on the right, then your use of "AND" will retrieve the display the overlapping results (purple) on your monitor.
Be aware, however, that language can easily "kill" your search so remember to use the most unique terms as possible. As you mix and match your search terms, avoid "AND"-ing too many terms together as it could retrieve nothing. Keep track of your searches. As you begin the process, you will notice that some searches retrieve better results than others. You may need to return to those searches later. List the searches with the best or most promising searches here.
If searches are too large, use limiting features such as date, format, etc.You can usually add more options by using addtional boxe (with the AND operator).
If you find too few, do Author searches for articles you do have.Turn off all limits to expand your search, if you have too little. In HCU OneSearch, turn off the "LImit to Library Collection" to see what else is available. We may not have many of those items in an expanded search but you will have, at least, discovered the existence of potentially useful information. You could also try searching Google Scholar.
Be a word detective. Pay attention to terms used in subject headings, titles, and abstracts. You may see a term that you can include in your search that may be better than another one already used and that could lead to better results.
All of the library's databases live under the "Electronic Research Tools" link on our home page or you can access it directly. Searching databases for article is somewhat similar to searching for books. In both cases, they are built on the concept of keyword searching. You can only search for the terms you type. In both cases, neither knows that a poodle is a dog, for instance; therefore, you need to use the most unique terms as possible. In cases, library catalogs and many databases have subject terms which describe the book or journal article. Sometimes, they are called "subject headings" or "descriptors." To review subject headings, go to the "Understanding Subject Headings" box under the Finding & Using Books tab or go directly to the Library of Congress Subject Headings search page.
The English language presents its own set of problems in library research. Here are some things to consider:
1. Use unique terms. Instead of searching "dog and cat" you will likely get better results using "poodle and calico."
2. Avoid redundant terms like "education" when you using an education database.
3. Be a word detective. Regardless of how useful your results are, pay attention to the subject terms. The article may be worthless but the subject term(s) may be just the right ones to include on your list leading to improved results (relevance and overall number).
4. If you have too many results,
a) use the available limiting options,
b) try some searching your terms as subject headings,
c) add another term to your search.
5. If you have too few results:
a) If you used limiting options, turn them off.
b) If you have one useful article, find a citation for the article, then see what subject headings are used. Use those terms instead of your list.
c) If you have only one useful article, try doing an author search (odo indivudually if you have multiple authors).
d) If you have are using several terms in your search, reduce the number down to two or three.
e) Have you made a sufficient list of synonyms for all of your terms? When you do, then try searches using different combinations. Evaluate the results and use groups which are yielding more relevant results.