• Keep your initial search simple—save limits (such as date ranges, scholarly, peer-reviewed, etc.) until you see the results list.
• Look for common database tools (suggested subject headings, abstracts, citation help, emailing and save options) on the edges of the page, often in a color bar above the search boxes or in a separate frame on the right or left of your results list.
• Use the right Boolean operator--usually AND--to link two search terms. Using OR often results in a large number of unrelated (and less useful) results. Using AND assures that both of your search terms will appear in the same document.
Want more information about Boolean searching?
Telling a magazine from a journal isn't always simple. When your instructor has specified use of a journal resource, review or print this two-page guide to help you choose.