Search library databases with keywords and phrases
On the web, we will often type in our search as a question. The search engine uses an algorithm to parse the question in a variety of ways.
In the library catalog, and in databases, searches are entered by combining key words and phrases. Fewer terms finds more results. Adding terms narrows your results. Searching alternate terms (OR), will broaden your search.
Examples:
In a database, for example Web of Science:
- BMI AND (controversy OR debate OR dispute)
In the Library catalog, Advanced Search:
- autism vaccine
[and] controversy debate [any]
Searching the web?
- If you're searching Google, try adding site:.edu to find sites created by academic institutions, or site:.org to find organizations, e.g. floridated water AND site:.org
- For articles, use google.scholar.com. Add Access Anywhere to your toolbar to be sure that you see the Cornell content!