How-to Videos

Research 101: Searching is Strategic, Anna Eisen: https://youtu.be/4CHKYaJkuO0

This video explains the intricate nature of searching for sources for academic research and provides some methods to make your searching more efficient and productive. Covers the benefits of using appropriate databases to start your research, versus using Google. When using these databases, it is important to understand that using various keywords and search phrases will yield different results every time. Take note of what you find while conducting these different searches, as those new keywords and subject terms may help you in your research process. If all else fails, Ask A Librarian!

Tips and Tricks: Phrase Searching, NCSU Library: https://youtu.be/6_mQGzRyTg4

Learn how to improve the relevance of your search results with phrase searching.

Boolean Operators, NCSU Library: https://youtu.be/NqLqEbFUKNk

Boolean operators – the words “AND, OR, and NOT” – are tools you can use to narrow or broaden your search results when searching for articles in library databases.

Learn how to:

• Select the right databases for your needs

• Use Boolean operators (AND, OR, and NOT) and truncation to limit or expand a search

• Modify and refine your results

• Search for sources using Google Books and Google Scholar