Introduction

Databases

Database Selection

Start the Search

Advanced Search Techniques

Boolean

Truncation

Wildcards

Phrase Searching

Limiting

Adapt the Search

Checklist

Database searching checklist

1. The query - Understand the query
   
2. Identify the major concepts in the query
   
3. Identify potential terms to correspond to those concepts
   
4. Select alternative terms to use if the original strategy needs help
   
5. Determine logical relationships between terms
   
6. Choose database(s) to use
   
7. Begin the search
   
8. Have a look at a few of the results
   
9. Revise and refine the search based on initial results

Summary of Searching Techniques

• Free text or Keyword : searches the whole record
  
• Field search: searches title/abstract/author etc.
  
• Boolean
  and = both terms
  or = either 1st or 2nd term
  not = find 1st but not 2nd term
  
• Truncation : e.g. comput* (or comput$ )
  
• Wildcard : e.g. organi?ation
  
• Phrase searching : e.g. “water damage”
  or (water damage)
  
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