Database Search Strategies
Grade 21 · Technology · 45 min
What's Included
Learning Objective
I can develop effective search strategies using keywords and Boolean operators to locate relevant sources in academic databases.
Warm-Up Video
George Mason University Libraries · 5:01
Library Database Search Strategies
Guided Notes
3 key concepts
- 1
When searching a library database, it is helpful to identify nouns in your research question to use as keywords.
- 2
Boolean operators such as "and", "or", and "not" can be used to connect keywords and refine search results.
- 3
Subject terms in database records can provide disciplinary jargon and additional keywords for further searching.
Practice Questions
10 questions · Multiple choice & Short answer
Exit Ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Using the keywords 'anxiety', 'college students', and 'music', construct a search query using Boolean operators that will find articles that discuss either the effect of music on anxiety OR the effect of music on college students, but NOT articles that discuss music therapy. Write out the search query as it would appear in a database search bar.”
Complete Lesson Package
Get all 3 ready-to-use resources:
