Databases

Most databases on the Library's website allow you to search for articles.

What's in a database? | Choosing the right database
Searching by keywords | Using subject terms | Locating articles

Databases usually index thousands of articles. Performing a keyword search is often the best way to begin identifying those that may be relevant for your assignment As with other search tools, a database will look for your keywords across various fields to retrieve results that match your search criteria

When using the keyword search options, maximize your search by applying different strategies using Boolean Operators, phrase searching, truncation, field searching, and parentheses.

Example

You are interested in researching information about electronic waste and how rapid technological progress impacts the environment.

Here are possible search statements that could retrieve relevant results:

"electronic waste" and environment*

("electronic waste" or "computer waste") and environment*

((computer* or electronic*) and (waste or disposal)) and environment*