Introduction

Search Terms

Database Selection

Start the Search

Advanced Search

Subject Headings

Boolean

Truncation

Limiting

Adapt the Search

Web Concerns

Printable Checklist

Search Terms: Identify Key Concepts

These questions will help you figure out what concepts and terms you want to search for. There may be just one concept or, much more likely, several concepts that will need to be considered.

Within each concept, you will need to determine appropriate words or phrases, including synonyms, broader terms, related terms and narrower terms.

Revise this list during the actual search process by noting and using subject headings that have been assigned to relevant books and articles.