In order to access articles, you will be asked to sign in using your NYSID credentials. It is recommended that students first log in to Portal and click on the Library tab. From here, database systems will recognize you as a NYSID student.
Use Keywords: unlike Google or other search engines, databases do not recognize sentences or questions. Instead, search using keywords. The more specific your keyword is, the more likely you are to get relevant results. For example, searching "Siberian Husky" will get you more specific results than just searching "dog."
Use Boolean Operators: you may need to search for two keywords at the same time. The chart below shows how using each Operator limits or widens your search results.
Look at Subject Headings: Many database results will have a list of subject headings for items. When you find a good resource, be sure to look at the subject headings assigned by the database. Not only are they a source for alternate keywords you may use, but they also can lead you to other research based on your topic.
Use Limiters: Databases will offer other ways to limit your research. Some of these limiters include: Date Range, Source Type, Subject, Publisher, Language, etc. These are typically found on a sidebar of the results page.
Photo via Monroe College
Databases have many great features that help you to find exactly what you are looking for. Below is a list of some of the ways to tailor your search for the best results:
Limit Full Text: limits your results to only those that can be accessed online. For more information, see the "Print vs. Online" box above.
Date Range: limits the date range of the publication.
Email: allows you to email an article to yourself or someone else.
Citation: creates a citation for your Works Cited page.
Permalink: gives you the permanent link to the resource. You have the ability to copy and paste the link from the web bar above, but that address may change. A permalink will always bring you back to the right resource.
