Once you have selected a variety of keywords to use, it is time to build your search query. Remember that not all databases use the same search terms,
- Boolean Searching: Use the connector terms AND & OR to structure your search query. You can construct a particularly powerful search query by using parentheses ( ) to nest concepts together.
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- Truncation Searching: Many databases will let you search for multiple keywords with the same root by using a truncation symbol such as * or ? at the end of the root (ex: using handl* will find handle, handled, handler, etc
- Phrase Searching: If you are looking for words are always next to each other, search for them as a phrase by surrounding them with double quotation marks.
- Example: "blood sampling"
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- Keyword vs. Subject Heading Searching: Our focus so far has been on searching by keywords, or natural language. Subject headings, a system of controlled vocabulary used to classify information into specific categories, provide a very powerful way to locate focused, on-topic results.
