Advanced Searching with Limiters & Subject Searches

Using Advanced Search

When you need to find specific results, try the Advanced Search option (usually located under the Basic Search box in most databases). Advanced searches provide limiters and subject searches to help you find exactly what you need.

Advanced search options may look different in each database, but most offer the following features:

Subject Searching:

When searching for general or common topics, find articles by assigned subject categories (e.g., “spiders” may be listed under insects, arachnids, and spiders).

• • To search by subject:

    • Start with a keyword search.

    • Browse results and pick relevant articles.

    • Note the subject terms used for those articles and redo your search using those terms.

  • Some databases also provide a list of suggested subjects.

Limiters and Filters:

Limiters allow you to filter your results by criteria like format, reading level, date, and more.

• • • Publication title

    • Article type (e.g., scholarly, news)

    • Date of publication

    • Full text only

    • Reading level, article length, peer-reviewed, and more