What exactly are "keywords"?

​Keywords are main terms related to your research topic. Keywords are what you enter into search boxes to get search results.

Why do keywords matter?

Keywords can determine whether or not you locate the information that you need! When using keywords properly, you can also find information more quickly since you don't have to sift through as many irrelevant search results.

Watch this video above, created by the University of Houston Libraries to learn about keywords, including helpful examples.

​Main takeaways include:

• Keywords are words and terms you use to describe your main concept.

• Use keywords to find information when searching.

• Keywords are not full statements or questions.

• Think of synonyms to try using as keywords.

• You may need to use related terms, which are not synonyms but are associated with your main concept.