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RACEETH 481: Capstone Seminar in Race and Ethnic Studies: Search Tips

Search Tips

This Tips to Save you Time: Find Info Fast PowerPoint presentation provides an overview of the library research process and commonly used keyword search tips. Generally, you will start your research with keyword searches, so it is a good idea to memorize these few tips. You can also look for resource specific tips, like date limits and subjects in individual databases and on the Research@UWW: Search Tips guide.

Boolean Operators (AND, OR, NOT)

How Library Stuff Works: Boolean Operators (AND OR NOT)

Advanced Search

In addition to entering a keyword search in a single box, most databases have an advanced search which allows you to create more nuanced searches with multiple boxes.

Advanced Search: Graphic shows example of a blank Advanced Search form. First line has a text box, then the word “in,” and then a “Choose Field to Search” menu. Second line starts with menu showing the word AND, then a text box, then the word IN, and then a “Choose Field to Search” menu. Third line starts with menu showing the word AND, then a text box, then the word IN, and then a “Choose Field to Search” menu. Below these three lines is a SEARCH button.

In the below example, you will see that each text box is focused on one concept. In addition to the use of Boolean Operators (AND, OR, NOT), universal tips like putting common short phrases in quotation marks and using the * (asterisk) to find endings at the end of a root word are used.
   Line one: synonyms for indigenous people
   Line two: synonyms for united states
   Line three: the phrase financial literacy.

Advanced Search: Graphic shows example of an in-use Advanced Search form. First line has a text box containing the search terms: open quotation marks native American asterisk close quotation marks, OR in capital letters, open quotation marks American Indian asterisk close quotation marks, OR in capital letters, indigenous. After that box is the word IN, and then a “Choose Field to Search” menu. Second line starts with menu showing the word AND, then a text box containing the search: USA, OR in capital letters, open quotation marks united states close quotation marks. After that box is the word IN, and then a “Choose Field to Search” menu. Third line starts with menu showing the word AND, then a text box with the search terms: open quotation marks financial literacy close quotation marks, the word IN, and then a “Choose Field to Search” menu. Below these three lines is a SEARCH button.