Search Tips
Search Options on the USC Libraries Homepage:
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Search: Searches USC Libraries’ print and online collections.
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Databases: Convenient if you know what specific database you are looking for
- Examples of useful databases: ProQuest, CQ Researcher, Google Scholar
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Research guides: Created by experienced USC librarians to help you start/improve your research. Organized to help you find resources you need on a specific subject or topic
Tips to Conducting Research
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Do background research using reference materials (such as encyclopedias, dictionaries) to find key terms, dates, names, etc.
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Work from general to the specific - Start big and work your way down
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Avoid full sentences - Use keywords
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Develop a list of search terms and refine your terms as you go
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Always check bibliographies/reference lists/works cited page for good sources
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Remember: The way you say something may be different than the way a scholar/author says it. Be on the lookout for topic-specific terminology/words and use them to modify your search (Search for "myocardial infarction" instead of "heart attack").
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Try this: |
Why? |
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“genetic engineering” |
The search will only look for instances where the words genetic and engineering are next to each other |
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“genetic engineering” AND humans |
This search will look for articles with a tie to humans |
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“genetic engineering” NOT animals |
Eliminates articles with references to animals |
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“genetic engineering” OR “genetic modification” |
Both phrases will be included in the search and will increase the number of results retrieved |
| motivat* , wom*n | Use to find any variation of the word |
Search Strategies
- USC Library Lessons: Knowing Where to Look (INTERACTIVE)Interactive, Storyline-based tutorial on helping identify where to search for different types of information.
- Developing Keywords [Interactive]
Interactive, Storyline-based, tutorial on developing keywords, the building blocks of your search.
