Search terms, also known as "index terms", are the keywords you enter into your search bar during a search. Finding the best words for your search can be a challenge. Try using some of the tips below to get started.
- Be concise. 2-3 word searches are most effective. Less than 2 and you'll get too many irrelevant results. More than 3 and you may not get any results.
- Test synonyms and similar terms. If your first search doesn't return the results you expected, try searching for a synonym. For example, if "teaching" doesn't turn up results, try "education", "pedagogy", or "instruction".
- Pre-search: Do background research. If you're unfamiliar with your research topic, try doing background research to get comfortable with the vocabulary used in the field. Use the library's reference sources Britannica Online, Oxford Reference Online, and Credo Reference Online, or even Wikipedia articles and YouTube videos to get familiar with relevant keywords.
- Mid-Search: Try using the suggested search terms that appear in the search box when you begin typing.
- Post-Search: Use terms from search results. Phrases that appear frequently in titles, abstracts, and especially the "Subject Terms" or "Keywords" section provided by the database.
