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Research On-the-Go: Tips & Tricks from OU Librarians

Check out this guide to learn how Kresge Library can help you reach your research goals, with librarian assistance or on your own!

Search Strategies

General Search Strategies

Unsure of how to begin your searches in a database? Here are some tips to get you started.

Explore some commonly useful strategies that will help you find focused, specific results during your research process.

Search Strategies

Creating a Keyword Search

This short video tutorial explores choosing effective search terms for a keyword search:

View a PDF transcript of this video.

Want more information about keyword searching?

Click here for a printable flyer with some helpful tips on creating a successful keyword search.

Broadening and Narrowing Your Search

This short video explores broadening or narrowing a search using keywords:

View a PDF transcript of this video.

Truncation and Wildcards

This short video explores using truncation and wildcards in a keyword search:

View a PDF transcript of this video.

Boolean Operators

How can Boolean Operators assist your search?

(What is a Boolean Operator, anyway?)

Boolean Operators are specific words that define logical connections between other words and/or phrases within a search. Using certain words when creating a search in a database enables the database to more effectively curate the kinds of results you need.

  • AND: this can be used when you want to look for keywords or phrases together
    • e.g., "social networking" AND "college students"
  • OR: this can be used when you want to look for alternate terms or phrases
    • e.g., "social networking" OR "social media"
  • NOT: this can be used when you want to exclude certain terms from your search
    • - e.g., "benefits NOT detriments"

 

More information about Boolean Operators and Boolean Operator searching is available through EBSCO Connect.