Unlike Google, library databases often don't understand an entire sentence. So you'll need to break your topic down into the most important ideas - the keywords.
Use the word AND to find only sources that mention both keywords.
AND lets you make demANDs with your search.
This search will bring back fewer results than searching either keyword on its own.
Use the word OR to expand your search with additional keywords.
OR gives you mORe.
This search will find sources that include either word, so you'll see more results than by searching for just one keyword.
Another suggestion is to use the asterisk symbol ( * ). The asterisk is useful when you have word variations. Place the asterisk symbol at the end of the part of the word all of the variations share (e.g. photo* retrieves photo, photos, photography, photographer, photosynthesis, etc.).
Try combining some of your related keywords together.
This search will save you time from having to try each keyword combination one at a time.
Use "quotation marks" to search for words in a phrase, such as a proper name.
This will bring back results that only use that exact phrase.
Most library databases have search tools built in. Try some of these:
Look on the left and right of your search results, or for an "advanced search" page to find these tools - and more!
