Doing Research in the Doing Research in the Andersen Library, UW-Andersen Library, UW-

WhitewaterWhitewater

Martha StephensonReference & Instruction Librarian

Tips to Save You Tips to Save You Time: Time: Find Info FastFind Info Fast

Thesis, Issue, QuestionThesis, Issue, QuestionWhat are the health

benefits of dark chocolate?

Health BenefitsDark

chocolate

dietblood

pressurecacao

nutritionphysical fitness

cocoa

weight memory antioxidants

caloriesheart

diseaseflavonols

BBRRAAIINNSSTTOORRMM

Keyword Tip #1: Use Keyword Tip #1: Use ANDANDAND

◦Use to connect different concepts

◦Both concepts will be in the results

◦Narrows search (finds fewer, more on target results)

chocolateFinds=114

chocolate AND diet Finds=3

Keyword Tip #2: Use ORKeyword Tip #2: Use OROR

◦Use to connect similar concepts◦At least one term will be in the results◦Broadens search (finds more results,

is more thorough)◦Saves time by doing several searches

in one

chocolate Finds=114chocolate OR cacao OR cocoa

Finds=141

Keyword Tip #3: PhrasesKeyword Tip #3: Phrases

Quotation Marks “ ”◦Use when words often or always

occur in a specific order◦All words inside the quotes will be in

the results, in the exact order used◦Narrows search (finds fewer, more

on target results)

heart AND diseaseFinds=217

“heart disease” Finds=162

Keyword Tip #4: Use Keyword Tip #4: Use TruncationTruncationTruncation

◦Use to find various endings of a word◦Place symbol at the end of the root

word◦Broadens search (finds more results)◦Symbol varies amongst databases◦Be careful of placement!

diet* = diet, diets, dietary, & 22 other words

cat* = cat, cats, catatonic, catalytic, catastrophic, & 250 other words (better search would be cat OR cats)

Keyword Tip #5: Keyword Tip #5: CombinationsCombinationsNesting in Databases

◦Use to assure search runs correctly when using both ANDs & ORs

◦Like in algebraic equations◦Place OR phrase in parentheses

(chocolate* OR cacao) AND diet*