Smarter searching with library databases

How do I attend?

Go to Smarter searching with library databases and select 'Join Room' located at the bottom of the page. The room remains closed until the trainer has entered - this will usually be 15 minutes before the start time.

Benefits

This 45 minute interactive session will go beyond Library Search and introduce you to library databases. We will explain why you would want to use a database, rather than a broader search tool such as Library Search, for finding resources. You will learn how to access library databases, how to take advantage of the functionality they offer, and how to devise a proper search technique.

Who's it for?

Suitable for level 3 and post graduate students who are required to carry out a literature search to discover what academic information exists on a topic.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this session you will be able to:

find and use library subject databases
identify key search terms from your research topic and expand these using synonyms
use effective search techniques, such as Boolean searching, in building a search statement
filter, save and export your search results.

Downloads and further help

A copy of the slides and an accompanying handout are available for this session

The following online resources provide additional information and guidance:

This Library webpage has links to further information about finding resources, planning a search, and carrying out a literature search: Finding information on your research topic
This 30-minute activity takes you through carrying out a search in the Academic Search Complete database: Searching academic databases
This three-minute animation from the OU Library takes you through some handy hints and tips to help you search effectively in the online library databases: Effective searching in the online library