Searching Databases

What are databases and how are they different from using a library catalog?

Databases are online collections of information that enable you to search many journals and other information sources at the same time. Databases cannot be searched using a library catalog. They must be searched individually or by using the Library of Texas interface, through which many databases may be searched simultaneously. Some databases offer full text, and the content of the article can be printed, downloaded or emailed. Others offer citations and abstracts only. When a database provides only the citation of an article you must use a library catalog to find the journal at your library or obtain it through inter-library loan.


Full-text TexShare databases:

How do I find articles in a database?

Keyword Search: looks for your search term in the author, article title, subject, and abstract fields.

Example: You are interested in finding articles about the use of pets as therapy animals, especially with children.
Possible Keywords : pets , therapy , children

Keyword Search Techniques:

Search operators, or Boolean commands, link search terms using the words AND, OR, and NOT:

AND - the statement pets and therapy and children searches for records containing all three terms.

• Use AND to retrieve records containing all search terms. All terms must be in each record retrieved.
• Use AND to narrow your search and retrieve fewer records.

OR - the statement children or adolescents searches for records possessing either of the words or both of the words.

• Use OR to retrieve records containing either or both search terms.
• Use OR to broaden your search and retrieve a greater number or records.
• Use OR for synonyms.

NOT - the statement children not adults searches for records including the word children but excluding the word adults.

• Use NOT to exclude certain items from your search.

Quotes " " - allow you to search for an exact phrase.

Example: "pet therapy"

Wild Card ? - Use wild cards to substitute for characters in the spelling of a word.

Example: adole??ent will find adolescent

Keyword Search Sample:

Basic Search: Enter a search statement into a single search box.

Step 1 : On the Basic Search page, enter pets and therapy and (child* or adolescent) in the “Find” box.
Step 2 : In the “Refine Search” section, check the box marked “Full Text.”
Step 3 : Limit the range of publication dates to your desired time frame.
Step 4 : Click the Search button.