Searching the Database with Key Words The database can be searched according to key words in the title, authors listing, year, and/or abstract. Unless you have a specific document in mind, it is probably best to begin with a key word search of the abstracts. This method will provide you with the greatest number of returns and the broadest array of documents.
Searching by Document Type:
The document type refers to the format and medium within which each individual document was created (i.e. journal article, book section, thesis, etc.). To begin with, the document type is always set at "*", indicating that citations from across all document types will be returned. To narrow a search to a single document type (i.e. journal articles), simply click on the "*" and highlight the document type that you would like to include in your search.
Subject Headings:
To search by one of the set choices of word strings in the subject headings simply "check" the relevant checkbox(es) and you search will be narrowed to include only those citations that include the chosen word string in their subject heading.
Abstract:
To search by one of the set choices of word strings in the abstracts simply "check" the relevant checkbox(es) and you search will be narrowed to include only those citations that include the chosen word string in their abstract.
Sort:
The sort function allows you to customize your view of the selected of "found" entries. Clicking on the appropriate button will allow you to sort the list of entries by author, title, author and title, year and title, or year and author.
The broadest type of search would be a simple browse, followed by a search by subject heading. The narrowest type of selection is the full scale search, using the author, date, keyword and subject options. You will want to use the different selection options to narrow or broaden your search as necessary.
All of these methods can be used alone or in conjunction with one another as the searcher sees fit. |
