Database Searching - Tips & Tricks - Reference Help - Research Guides @ Fordham at Fordham University Libraries

Selecting a Database

Databases at Fordham Libraries
Select databases alphabetically by name using the A-Z list, or search by keyword, subject, type, or vendor.

Not all databases are equal. Read the description of the database carefully. If you select a database and do not find content that you can use, you may need to: try another database or revise your search terms.
If selecting a database seems overwhelming, look for the Recommended Databases list.
Reach out for help via the Ask a Librarian chat, or email your liaison librarian and ask for help.

Search Tips

Use the Advanced Search.
Enter each keyword concept in a separate box.
Select the Boolean/Phrase radio button.
Use an asterisk * at the end of a word to get variant endings: child* yields child and children.
Use quotation marks to search for a phrase (two adjacent words in the same order): "Bloody Sunday".
Add keywords to expand your search results using the OR Boolean operator: (teen or adolescent).
Consider using the subject terms assigned to articles and books as additional keywords.
In the OneSearch, consider using the medium, industry, technology, or discipline as a search term
If the OneSearch provides too many results, consider looking for a discipline-specific database designed for research in that medium, industry, technology, or discipline (news, television, computer, education).
Consider limiting by Date, and using theories, concepts, geographies, demographics, and regulations as keywords.
Consider limiting by Source Type: Advertisements, Trade Publications, Magazines, Newspapers, Scholarly Journals, Books.
Check to see if the database has a Thesaurus or an Index to help you select the best search words.
Be aware of bias in sources and words; be sure to address any bias you identify by changing your search terms or by including a discussion of the bias in your writing or presentation.
Always save the full-text and the citations at the same time. Look for save options embedded in the databases to save, email, or export searches and items.

Help With Access Issues
What to do, and who to contact, if a database is not working properly.

Boolean Modifier Video
Video tutorial "How Library Stuff Works: Boolean Modifiers" from McMaster Libraries
Boolean Operators Video
Video Tutorial "How Library Stuff Works: Boolean Operators" from McMaster Libraries
Database Search Tips
Database Search Tips from MIT Libraries covers Boolean search operators, truncation, keyword vs. subjects, fields, phrases and stop words.
Fordham Library Tutorial (under revision)
This tutorial was created to give you a basic overview of how to conduct academic research and how to use our libraries. The tutorial consists of five lessons. At the end of each lesson is a quiz that allows you to assess your understanding. Complete the lessons at your own pace, in whatever order you want. You may also go back and review each lesson as many times as you want.

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