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SOBA 200: Professional Communications

This guide will help students make the best use of library resources for SOBA 200 classes.

Database Searching

  1. Start by identifying the major concepts, themes, works, or authors that you want to research. These are your keywords. Only type your keywords into the search box -- don't type in an entire thesis statement or research question. 

  2. Most of the time, you'll either have too many search results to sort through, or too few to choose from. Use the following tips below to expand or limit your search results as needed. These tips typically work in most library databases. Some databases have additional or different tips you can try. When you're in a database, look for a link labeled Help or Search Help for information specific to that database.

searching tips for when you get too many or too few results

When you’ve found one good source, try this:

Subject headings 

Does the database list any subject headings to your source? Click on those links to find more.

Reference List

Browse your source’s reference list or bibliography to find additional sources on the same topic.

Who’s cited this?

Use Google Scholar or Web of Science to find sources that have cited your source since it was published.

Author

Has the same author published additional material on the topic?

Searching for books, DVDs, scores, and more with OneSearch

What is OneSearch?

OneSearch is a "discovery tool" which searches multiple databases at the same time to help you find books, articles, music, and more. A default search in OneSearch searches content in Worldcat, Academic Search Complete, and ProQuest Research Library.