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If you're unsure how to use search techniques, try the Advanced Search option available in most databases. Often this is located under the Basic Search box.
A limiter allows a user to limit or filter their results by certain criteria (such as format, reading level, date, and more).
A subject search allows the researcher to search by the categories assigned in the item's record.
Advanced searching may appear different in each database, but check the database help section to see if they include any of these techniques:
Searching within a field - For example limiting a search by a certain author to the author field will omit any articles about this author.
Boolean Searching - The terms AND, OR, and NOT are often available from drop down boxes within the advanced search.
Limiters and Filters - Many databases offer a menu to further define results by publication title, article type, publication date, full text only, reading level, article length, peer review, and more.
Subject searching locates the assigned subjects for each article. For example, an article on spiders may have the subjects INSECTS, ARACHNIDS, and SPIDERS. Since each database is different in how in assigns subject headings, it may take some investigation:
Start with a keyword search, using words or phrases that describe your topic.
Browse the resulting articles, choosing 2-3 that are relevant and noting the subject fields for these articles.
Redo your search using those terms.
Some databases also provide a list of subjects or auto-suggestions.
Keep in mind that subject searching is best for very general, common topics.