The document provides guidance on effectively searching library databases by determining essential concepts for a topic, using Boolean operators like AND and OR to combine search terms, and including synonyms to broaden results. It recommends crafting searches with the formula (synonyms for concept 1 OR synonyms) AND (synonyms for concept 2 OR synonyms) as exemplified by the search string "(social networking OR Facebook) AND (jobs OR employment)".
2. HOW TO DO KEYWORD SEARCHES When using any type of search engine, do not type whole sentences, questions, etc. into search boxes. INSTEAD: DETERMINE WHAT YOUR ESSENTIAL CONCEPTS ARE
3. DETERMINING ESSENTIAL CONCEPTS Essential concepts Usually verbs or nouns They describe your topic Topic : How can social networking sites help people find jobs? What are the ESSENTIAL CONCEPTSin this topic?????? (social networking and jobs)
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5. It is put between the essential concepts in the search
8. OR Another command you give to the database It is put between synonyms EX: job OR employment It tells the database to look for articles in which either of the words appear
9. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER Formula for search statement: (all synonyms for key concept 1 with OR in between each) AND (all synonyms for key concept 2 with OR in between each)
10. EXAMPLE SEARCH STATEMENT To search most effectively for your topic you might try: (social networking OR Facebook) AND (jobs OR employment) NOTE: synonyms are always connected with OR and placed in parenthesis
