Whether you're searching using OneSearch or another library database, there are certain strategies you can use to ensure you find the kind of information most useful to your research topic. When you use search engines like Google, you're able to type in whole questions or phrases. Library databases, however, are much more specific.
First, brainstorm the main search terms that relate to your research topic. For your SLSS 405G projects, your search terms will likely include the country or location you're focusing on, plus a term related to the international crisis you're researching, or a term related to the 7 revolutions (population, resource management, technology, information/knowledge, economic integration conflict, and governance).
The database works best with nouns. Eliminate any articles (of, to, is, the), adjectives (best, worst, good, bad), and most verbs (affect, change, alter, support).
Quotation marks are used to tell databases to search for words in a certain order. This is especially useful for specific topics that can't be boiled down to a single word.
This is also helpful when searching for the title of a specific source, like a book or article title!
You then connect your search terms. This is what you'll actually type into a database search box. Search strings work best when they're limited to no more than three to four search terms—otherwise, your search will be too narrow!
When you connect your search terms using AND, the database will search for books, articles, and more which contain all your search terms. Search strings using AND narrows our search, and helps you find the research most relevant to you.
If you need any help with your searches, please contact a librarian!