This tool is designed to help you create a search string using Boolean search operators. Add your key concepts and synonyms then click the button. The resulting search string can be copied and pasted into a database search box or UMBrella.
Use quotation marks to search an exact phrase, for example: "higher education"
Use a truncation symbol, such as ? or *, to find several words with the same root, for example:
writ* (finds writer, writers, writing, writings, etc.)
child* (finds child, childish, children, and childhood)
behavio?r (finds behavior and behaviour)
Use a truncation symbol when there multiple spellings of a name or word, for example:
Kath* (finds Katherine, Kathryn, Katharine, Katheryn, Kathrine, Kathryne)
| TX | All Text |
| AU | Author |
| TI | Title |
| SU | Subject Terms |
| AB | Abstract |
Electronic records are organized into separate fields. A typical record includes the following major fields: title, author, and subject. Databases often have several other fields, such as keyword, location, date, and journal title. See the example to the right of some possible fields. Most catalogs and databases allow users to search specific fields individually or in combination.
Use a title search for the fewest number of results
Use a full text search for largest number of results
Use a subject search to get specific items on your topic
Check the database for subject terms, different databases may use different subject terms. For example, in Academic Search Complete if you are searching the topic "young victims of crime", use the subject YOUTH -- Crimes against.
These strategies can be combined into one search, as in the example below. Note order does matter when using multiple Boolean operators. In general use "OR" before "AND," or use parentheses if you are only using one search box. Check the database's help guide for the appropriate order.
Successful searching requires two important steps.
First, you need to identify the main concepts of your topic. Then you need to search these concepts with a variety of techniques.
There are several search strategies which are available in numerous catalogs, databases and search engines.
Also check out the Research Basics Tutorial for a complete overview of the research process.
Database Search Tips
AND - narrows a search; connects two or more words (or phrases)
Use to include two or more key concepts, such as sleep AND students
OR - broadens a search; allows either word (or phrase) to be included
Use to expand search to related concepts, such as college OR university
This tool is designed to help you create a search string using Boolean search operators. Add your key concepts and synonyms then click the button. The resulting search string can be copied and pasted into a database search box or UMBrella.
Copy and paste the above search string into a search box
The Search Strategy Builder was developed by the University of Arizona Libraries and is used under a Creative Commons License.