General Tips
Search: medical error
Conducting this search without quotation marks retrieves results with those two words anywhere in the document.
Search: "medical error"
Conducting this search with quotation marks retrieves results only with that exact phrase.
Search: Mexic*
This search will retrieve results with Mexico, Mexican, and Mexicans.
Web Search Tips |
Database Search Tips |
Catalog Search Tips |
Keep it simple! Start by typing the name of a relevant thing, place, or concept.
Add relevant words if you don't see what you want after doing a simple search.
It may take several attempts to find the right words to describe your search. Try words that a website would use to describe what you're looking for.
Use only the important words. Too many words will limit your results. Not ideal: [country where bats are an omen of good luck]Better: [bats good luck] Source: Google Basic Search Help More web search help: Google Tips & Tricks
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Too many results Start small! Begin with just one or a few search terms. Add additional terms if you have too many results. Too few search terms - If you only have one general term in the search box, consider adding another term that relates to the topic you are interested in. Use limiters - Limiters (such as date and format) give you more targeted results. Topic is too broad - Narrow the scope of your search. Think about the different aspects of your topic you will address and search for them separately. Then synthesize the information. You may need to narrow your topic if it is too large to cover in a short paper. Too few results Is this the best database for your topic? If you need a subject-specific database, try Subject and Course Guides. Use good search terms - Check spelling, and brainstorm synonyms or related terms. You can use OR between synonyms (for example salary OR pay OR compensation). Too many search terms - If you have three or more search terms, try removing one to see if your results improve. Too many limiters - Use only limiters that are absolutely necessary. Your topic is too narrow - What is the broader theme of your topic? Break your topic down and search for different parts separately. Then synthesize the information you find. |
Looking for books, print journals, or media? In the search box on the library's homepage click the Books & media tab. Can you use a limiter to focus your results? Use the choices on the left side of the search results page to limit by subject, author, language, etc.
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B.D. Owens Library | 800 University Dr. Maryville, MO 64468 | 660.562.1193 |
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