Lesson 4:
Conducting the Search

Objectives

Find Books

Find Articles

Find Call Numbers

Find Web Sites

Resources

Home

Help

Table of Contents

EWU Libraries

Find Articles

How do you search a database?

All databases are based on the same principles, so learning to use one database will teach you skills that you can apply to others. A good database to start with is ProQuest.

Note: To use ProQuest from home, you will need to create a Library PIN.

ProQuest lists articles (many in full-text!) about a wide variety of topics. Because it is a general database, it includes articles that are written at a variety of levels: general public, college students, and researchers.

Example: articles on online identity theft and how it effects college students

• Brainstorm keywords. Think of synonyms -- what words could one use to discuss your issue?
• Put synonyms in parentheses and use or between the synonyms: (online or internet or email)
• Put quotes around phrases: "identity theft"