Introducation to Search Techniques

Introduction to Search Techniques

This handout is a guide to doing basic research in the library. If you have any questions, please ask for help from the library staff. We are here to help you!

PICKING A TOPIC

First of all, pick a good topic for your research.
Topics should have the following characteristics:
- Interesting to you as the researcher.
- Well-defined subject.
- Appropriately focused for the type or length of the assignment.
- Suitable to your knowledge level.
Look in a subject encyclopedia to get ideas or background on a particular topic. The following are examples of subject encyclopedias:
- McGraw Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology
- Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice
Staff at the reference desks will help you locate an appropriate encyclopedia.

EXAMPLES OF GOOD TOPICS (for a typical undergraduate):

Eating Disorders Among College Students
Relationship Between Gun Control Laws and Violent Crime in Urban Areas

DEVELOPING A SEARCH STRATEGY

Topics are generally expressed as complete phrases.
To find material in the library, express the topic in terms of concepts and limits.

CONCEPTS

These are defining words (usually nouns) that identify the subject of the topic.
May be represented by several different words, called synonyms.
May have more than one spelling (e.g., voodoo, vudu, voudou, vodun, etc.).

LIMITS

These establish the scope of your research.
Most common limits are:
- Language
- Publication Year
- Publication Type
- Scholarly Level

TIP 1: For information on scholarly vs. popular periodicals consult the handout called SCHOLARLY JOURNAL V. POPULAR MAGAZINE

EXAMPLE OF A SEARCH STRATEGY

Concepts (with synonyms in parentheses):

#1 Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa) (Bulimia)
#2 College (University)
#3 Students

Limits: English language Material published since 1993 Books, journal articles, and government reports (no video or audio tapes) Scholarly works from the Social Sciences or Psychology fields.

FINDING BOOKS AND DOCUMENTS

Once you have decided on your search strategy, go to the OASIS online catalog

http://lib.tamuk.edu/index.htmlopacmenu.html

Use keyword search to combine your topics.

Use the Boolean operators AND, OR, NOT to combine different terms in a single search. Boolean operators are used to narrow or expand the search.

AND Shakespear AND midsummer	Finds records contining both terms
OR Chemistry OR Biology	Finds records containing either term or both terms
Eclipse NOT solar	Finds records containing the first term, but not the second

If no Boolean operator is entered, the Boolean operator AND is implied.
Type your keyword(s) into box labeled Type the WORDS YOU WANT...
Narrow your search by setting additional limits, if desired.

LOCATING ITEMS AND CHECKING OUT

Check the OASIS online catalog to find the locations and call numbers for your itmes.
Retrieve your items from appropriate shelf locations.
Check out at Circulation Desk
Information about checkout time periods and fines is available at the Circulation Desk

TIP 2: If an item is already checked out but is not overdue, a HOLD may be placed on the book by displaying the bibliographic record on the Library's online catalog and clicking on the REQUEST button. You will be notified as soon as the item is returned.

FINDING PERIODICAL ARTICLES

Use a print or electronic index/database to find articles in periodicals (journals/magazines)

Citations for similar articles grouped under common subject headings.
Citations consist of article title, author name, periodical name, volume number, issue number, page number, etc

Search the OASIS online catlog for the periodical (journal/magazine) title
Note the location and call number of the specific issue needed
Retrieve your item from the appropriate shelf location (Remeber some articles are available full test from the database, so you won't need to look it up, you can just print it)
If relevant to your research, make notes or photocopy the information