Page 166 - Keys To Community College Success

KEY 5.9 Use a step-by-step search method.

Start with Examples include encyclopedias, almanacs, dictionaries, biographical
general
reference works references.

Move to
specialized Examples include encyclopedias and dictionaries that focus on
a narrow field.
reference works

Use the electronic Search the library catalog by author, title, or subject to locate specific
catalog to locate books, periodicals, and journals. Most library catalogs are virtual and
materials can be accessed by computers throughout the library. Ask a librarian
for assistance, if needed.

Browse through
relevant books Using your results from the catalog search, dive in deeper by looking
through the books and articles related to your topic.
and articles

KEY 5.10 Perform an effective keyword search with Boolean logic.

IF YOU ARE
SEARCHING FOR … DO THIS EXAMPLE
A word Type the word normally. Aid
5 A phrase Type the phrase in its normal word order (use regular word spacing) or financial aid, “financial aid”
CHAPTER surround the phrase with quotation marks (“x”).

Quotation marks ensure the search engine finds the words together in
the same phrase, rather than the individual words on the same page.
Two or more keywords Type the words in any order, surrounding the words with quotation “financial aid” and “scholarships”
without regard to order marks. Use and to separate the words.
Topic A and topic B Type the words in any order, surrounding the words with quotation “financial aid” and “scholarships”
marks. Use and to separate the words. The search engine will list a result
only if it contains BOTH topics A and B.

Topic A or topic B Type the words in any order, surrounding the words with quotation “financial aid” or “scholarships”
marks. Use or to separate the words. The search engine will list a result
if it contains EITHER A or B.

Topic A but not topic B Type topic A first within quotation marks, and then topic B within “financial aid” not “scholarships”
quotation marks. Use not to separate the words. The search engine will
list a result if it contains only Topic A and does not contain Topic B.

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