Getting Started:
When searching in any search engine, (databases, library catalog, google scholar, etc.) it is best to use keywords rather than typing the full question or topic. For example, if your question is:
"How do earthquakes form, and what can studying them tell us about the movement of tectonic plates?"
Remover the filler words from the question and focus on the main concepts. Next, brainstorm synonyms of the key words. You may type words such as these in the search bar:
| earthquakes, tectonic plates, movement, erosion, formation, lithospheric plate |
Advanced Search Tips:
Using Boolean Operators (AND, OR, NOT)
Boolean operators are used to either refine or expand your search. They are placed in between your keywords to yield more specific search results.
| Too Few Results |
| Use: AND |
| For example: earthquakes AND tectonic plates |
| Either/Or Results |
| Use: OR |
| For example: earthquakes OR tectonic plates |
| Too Many Results |
| Use: NOT |
| For example: earthquakes NOT tectonic plates |
Visual Brainstorming:
If you prefer to draw when brainstorming, you may want to draw a concept map. You can do this on paper, a white board, or a smart board. For online resources focused on concept mapping, we recommend Canva.
Below shows how you might begin entering keywords in the library catalog search bar. It's always best to start off simple, with just a few keywords.
Juniata College
1700 Moore Street
Huntingdon, PA 16652
Juniata College
1815 Moore Street
Huntingdon, PA 16652
