The examples below are provided to support the information provided and practice searches used during the LIBBI session. Use the links below to review the sample search strategies and evaluate the lists of search results. Search, then tweak and edit the terms, search fields, subjects, databases, etc. to match your sr. paper research needs. Use your personal folder in EBSCO to save and manage your information. For assistance, please inquire at the Library Services Desk or go to opens new windowopens new windowAsk-A-Librarian.
Use as few or as many terms needed to get relevant results. Set restrictions for source types, dates, thesaurus and/or subjects. (DE= descriptors or subjects)
TIPS
✓ Combine a previous search with another search or new terms.combine keyword and subject searching.
✓ In EBSCO databases, use the Search History show/hide link to view a list of your previous searches.
✓ Use CTRL+F, then key in a term to see where it occurs in the document.
✓ Use available limiters to refine your search. What are your paper requirements? Set relevant limits, such as Date, Scholarly Peer-Reviewed articles, and other limiters to refine your search.
Search Examples
Use keywords that describe your topic or descriptive terms from your thesis statement. combine keyword and subject searching. Try a variety of searches expressions and databases, as shown in the examples below.
TOPIC: Did Bob Dylan's lyrics impact society? How?
- Bob Dylan AND (Literature OR poetry ) - (in America: History and Life, keyword search)
- opens new window (ZP "dylan, bob, 1941-") or (ZP "dylan, bob, 1941- -- political & social views") - (in America: History and Life; people as subject search, use Index > People > key in dylan, bob)
- opens new windowBob Dylan AND (literature OR poetry) - (in Academic Search Complete and Humanities Source. keyword search)
TOPIC: What influenced the Grimm brothers to write fairy tales?
- opens new window"brothers grimm" and "christian influence" - (in Google Scholar; phrase search)
- opens new windowliterature AND TX "brothers grimm" - (in ATLA Religion Database Plus; keyword and phrase Text search)
- opens new window"brothers grimm" and Christian and influence - (in Ebook Central; keyword search; Christian influence searched within the book) (shown below)
TOPIC: What causes writers block?
- opens new windowDE "WRITERS block" AND caus* - (in Academic Search Complete, Education Source, Literary Reference Center, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection; subject and keyword search)
- opens new window"writers block" AND caus* - (in above listed databases; phrase and keyword search)
Combine previous searches with another search or new terms. In EBSCO databases use the Search History show/hide link to view a list of your previous searches.
TIP: Use CTRL+F, then key in a term to see where it occurs in the document.