2. Databases are large collections of articles
that the library pays to have access to.
There are millions of articles in the
library’s databases; however, there is no
one place to search all of the databases
at once. Instead, you must search each
one that pertains to your subject.
For this exercise, we will learn how to
search in Academic Search Premier,
which is a general database that has
articles on many subjects. Each database
is different, but most of the tips here will
apply to other databases as well.
5. 4. Input keywords of your
search within the search fields
5. Click “Search”
6. 6. Limit the number of results
to a manageable number to
search through. Aim for
having under 100 results. To
reduce the number of results
use limiters in the sidebar.
7. Limiters
Adjust the date range to
eliminate older articles
Check the box to get
Scholarly/Peer-Reviewed
articles only
Click on “Subject: Thesaurus
Term” to find subject terms
related to your topic
8. Subject Terms
7. Use subject terms in your search to get
more accurate results than a default search.
Use the “Subject: Thesaurus Term” box or the
“Subjects” listed underneath each article to find subject
terms that articles are tagged with
9. Subject Terms
Once you have found a good
subject term, enter it into the
search box and select “SU” from
the drop-down menu.
NOTE: You must use the exact subject term, eg., searching for
“cyberterrorism” works, but a search for “cyber terrorism” will
result in an error; this is why we need to search for the exact
subject terms the database uses
10. Results after using limiters and a subject term search:Original search results:
11. 8. Hover your mouse over this
icon to see the “Abstract” or
summary of an article
9. To view an article, click ,
or *
12. The “ ” button could lead you to another database with the article
you are looking for, or send you to the form below where you can request
the article through Interlibrary Loan. Using Interlibrary Loan, the article will
be sent to you electronically, often within a week or less and free of charge.
*
13. Confused? Have questions?
St. Catherine University Library
• Set up an appointment with a librarian here
• Call the reference desk at the St. Paul campus
library at 651-690-6652
