No matter what database you use to locate materials for your research, there are certain strategies that you can use in designing your searches, which will help you conduct effective searches on your research topic.
AND - combines terms; narrows and focuses search ex.: archaeology and media
Some databases will allow you to select "and" from a pull-down menu in order to narrow your search, some databases will assume an "and" between terms.
OR - used between synonyms, related terms, or variant spelling of words -- broadens search by supplying more options ex.: indigenous or native; archeology or archaeology
Some databases will allow you to select "or" from a pull-down menu in order to broaden your search.
NOT - excludes terms from search, narrows and focuses search ex.: film not documentaries
Some databases will allow you to select "not" from a pull-down menu in order to narrow your search.
TRUNCATION - symbol used at end of word or word part to retrieve variant word endings; adds flexibility and depth to your search ex: archaeolog** retrieves: archaeology; archaeologist; archaeological; archaeologically; archaeologists, etc.
PHRASE SEARCHING - varies by database, but in many databases it is necessary to put quotes around the phrase: ex.: "prehistoric archaeology"
