Search Basics

Knowing how best to utilize search tools can prove invaluable when researching material for an assignment.

Your search strategy will usually include more than one concept. In order for the search tool to understand exactly what you are looking for, use paretheses ( ) to group keywords use for each concept.

Example

Topic: The effect of indoor air quality on workplace productivity

Concepts: indoor air quality; workplace productivity

Possible search statement: ("indoor air quality" or "indoor air pollution" or "air quality" or "air pollution") and (workplace or "work environment" or office*) and productivity.