Keywords, Subject Terms, and Finding the Right Words
Where can I start when I don't know what to search?
Look for search terms in resources that you already have available to you like your textbook, in-class readings, and suggestions from your instructors.
Use a thesaurus in one of our Databases. In the EBSCO databases (e.g. Business Source Complete), you will find the link for that database's thesaurus at the top of the page labeled as either "Subject Index" or "Thesaurus." In the ProQuest databases (e.g. ABI/INFORM Collection) you will find the thesaurus on the Advanced Search page above the search box
Find out what's trending by exploring topics in reference databases like CQ Researcher.
Keep it simple when you are starting out with your research. Use one or more individual terms. Do not type you whole topic or question into the search bar. Instead, determine the most important words that you would use to describe your topic. Select a few of those terms to use in your search. Try to limit yourself to 3 or fewer search terms when first getting started. You can always narrow your search later as you learn more.
How to Do a Basic Search in Worldcat Discovery
How to Do an Advanced Search in Worldcat Discovery
