Keyword Searching within TexShare Databases

What is Keyword Searching: An Overview

If you've ever entered a search word in the blank Google box, you've performed a keyword search. Keyword searching matches a word or phrase that is entered into a search box with that same word or phrase as it appears within the electronic records in the database that you are searching. Unlike performing other types of searches that search particular fields such as an author, title or subject search, keyword searching is more broad based and holistic. A keyword search will likely retrieve a maximum number of results.

Let's Look at An Example of Keyword Searching in a TexShare Database

Academic Search Complete is part of the EBSCO suite of research databases available through TexShare Databases. I am going to walk you through an example of a keyword search that I recently performed for my own research. I chose the "Basic Search" option which performs a keyword search by default. Note, choosing the "Advanced Search" allows you to combine up to three different words or phrases paired with pull-down menus that provide you with the option of selecting particular search fields.

After selecting the "Basic Search" option, the database presented me with a search box (look for the "Find" prompt) that performs a keyword search by default.

I recalled a recently published book that used the phrase "impossible subject" somewhere in the title, subtitle or text. I couldn't remember the title or the author of the book, but I wanted to find it. I entered the phrase "impossible subject" in the search box.

I remembered the author discussed "illegal aliens" in her book, but I didn't know if this was an important subject keyword. I decided to try it anyway.

I combined the phrases with the boolean operator "and," and the database searched for both keyword phrases within all available search fields and the texts of the electronic records contained within the database. You could also use "or" between terms or even "not".

I was able to retrieve four electronic records that allowed me to identify the title of the book, the author, more information about the book and author, and relevant subjects to further explore my topic.

Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Keyword Searching

Advantages of Keyword Searching

Disadvantages of Keyword Searching

If you are unsure of the title, author, or subject that you are looking for, a keyword search can help you identify records that will help you narrow your search.

Keyword searches can retrieve terms that are relatively new, novel or have not been assigned normative subject terms by the database(s) or catalog you are searching.

You can combine keywords into a keyword phrase. As in the above example, I was told about a book that used the phrase "impossible subjects," but I could not remember the title or author of the book.

You may retrieve too many records or items.

The items you retrieve may contain the word or phrase but are not relevant to your search.

Misspelling a keyword can often produce no results, and the database you are searching in may not provide an alternate spelling.

Keyword Searching Hints

Sometimes the author of an article available as an electronic resource will supply their own keywords. An author-supplied keyword search might be available in the advanced search mode. It will deliver a precise search that is excellent for retrieving jargon or specialized terminology.

Another good source of keywords is a thesaurus or subject directory. If you click on the "Subject terms" tab at the top, you will be given all sorts of terms that might be close to the one you're looking for. This can give you lots of good alternatives in searching.

Try using quotation marks around search words that belong together. This will keep the database from searching the words separately.

Keyword terms and phrases that are too general will produce too many results or hits. Too few hits can be caused by using terms that are too narrow. Do not be afraid to "play around" with your keyword search. Try eliminating terms or boolean operators in your search to produce more results. If you have too many results, you can add terms or boolean operators.

Wild cards can be very handy. If you're interested in either women, the plural, or woman, the singular, try wom*n. The * is a wild card and the computer will send you results with any letter in that spot. Sometimes wild cards are indicated by *, sometimes by ?. Don't be afraid to try either of them!

This page was written by Cheryl Beaver in Spring 2005.
This page was reviewed by David Wilson in Spring 2006.
This page was revised by Lisa Charbonnet in spring 2007.
INF 382S: Library Instruction and Information Literacy, taught by Dr. Loriene Roy
School of Information, The University of Texas at Austin

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