Synonyms
Combining Concepts
Revise your search

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Synonyms

Think of synonyms to help you find appropriate sources.

Authors, editors, and database creators may use different terms to describe the same concept, so think of synonymous terms:

• Consult a thesaurus
• Use a subject specific encyclopedia
• Use the Library of Congress Subject Headings (REF Z 695.Z8 L524a)

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Combining Concepts

• Use the term OR to combine terms that are synonymous or in the same category; OR increases your results.
• Use the term AND to combine your different concepts; AND decreases your results.
• NOT: some databases allow the use of the term NOT to make sure that a concept will not contaminate your search results.
• TIP: Limit the times you use AND to three (3); more than three concepts generally yields too few results.

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Revise your search

• Too many hits? Narrow your search by introducing another concept with AND or NOT; limiting the date or type of publication; or rethinking the concepts you've already used.
• Too few? Broaden your search by thinking of other synonyms for concepts; moving from three to two concepts; or rethinking the concepts you've already used.
• Find something great?
  Look at the keywords or subject descriptors for the record:

• Can you add these to your search?
• Should you create a new search strategy based on any of them?

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