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Once you have selected a database, you should determine how that database can be searched. There are two basic types of searches. Each database may use a slight variation or combination of these types:
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| A word search (keyword) allows
you to search for any word you choose. For instance, the Lexis/Nexis: News
database can search for any word in the headline, caption, or
full text of articles.
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| Some databases use a specific list of
terms called controlled vocabulary to organize the database's contents
by subject. Databases with controlled vocabulary use very specific
terms for concepts when searching by subject. In order to retrieve relevant
information, it is useful for the user to be aware of this special terminology. Subject heading and descriptor are terms used to refer to controlled vocabulary
The example to the right is from the ERIC Database. Note the term "childhood" has not been used since 1980; use "children" instead. |
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Most databases allow you to search both
ways:
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| The search screen from the online catalog provides both keyword and subject searching options. | |
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| Chapter 3, Page 13 |
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