Dos and Don’ts of Research
- Run multiple searches using distinct keyword combinations and cycling through multiple databases and the library Catalog.
- Don’t use JSTOR! (okay, or don’t only use JSTOR)
- Use Library Guides to seek out the most relevant databases for your field; start with Academic Search Premier and then build out from there.
- Search the library Catalog in addition to Databases using separate searches. The Catalog is especially useful for finding books in the library collection.
- Explore linked keywords and subject headings within individual records. Combine keywords to narrow your results.
- Use the tools on the left-side of most databases to help narrow your search.
Remember: EBSCO is not a database. It is a search platform used by many different databases. In your Research Progress Reports, do your best to identify the actual database you are using.