You have started your search for information with the best of intentions, but now you have hit a brick wall. Before you throw the computer, or someone else, out the nearest window, here are some tips on troubleshooting your search. Hopefully they will allow you to get your research back on track.

Tip #1.  Check your search terms

Once you have chosen your topic you should come up with a list of key terms, instead of typing in your entire topic sentence. If these terms turn up too many hits in the online catalog or a database, you have a few options. Do any of the terms have any synonyms you can use instead? Would be it better if you simply deleted one of the terms all together? If you are not getting enough hits, again try any synonyms. Or, could you add any terms to your search?

                EX 1.

                                Topic: Use of public libraries in Nazi Germany.

                                Original key terms: Nazi Germany, public libraries

                                Broader terms: Germany, libraries

                                Narrower terms: 1945, Nazi Germany, public libraries, propaganda, youth services

If the keyword strategy is not working, then you could try to come up with subject terms that reflect your topic. Subject terms are standardized terms that are prescribed to articles, journals, or books when they are indexed either in databases or the library’s catalog. If your keyword terms do not match a subject term, the database or catalog will give you a list of suggested terms. These tools also use the phrases “see” or “see also” to refer you to terms to use instead of the one you looked up (see), or to narrower/broader terms for that subject (see also). The best characteristics of these subject terms is that they each have a specific definition, which means that you will not have to waste time coming up with synonyms, or weeding through any alternate meanings for the term. Also, when you search using subject terms, it only looks for those terms in the subject area of the item’s recording, so that you will not have any false hits from the title or author fields.

                EX 2.

                                Sample subject terms from ALEX:

                                                National Socialism

                                                World War, 1939-1945

                                                Germany History 1933-1945

                                                Germany National Socialism

Another way to find subject terms is to use keywords to find at least one article or book that satisfies you needs, and then jot down the subject terms used to describe that resource. Then, use these terms during the rest of your search.

Tip #2. Reassess where you’re looking for the information

Many of the databases we subscribe to are general databases, but some are discipline specific. If you are not finding enough information, check that you are not in one of these discipline specific databases. Or, if you are coming up with too much information, maybe you need to move from the general databases to one that deals only with your discipline.

Sometimes the databases (like JSTOR) allow for you to search only in journals from a specific discipline. This can be helpful if your search is bringing up too much information. However, if your topic is multidisciplinary, searching all the disciplines might help you to find more information.

Along with dealing with specific disciplines, the databases may also only deal with a specific type of information. For example, the database Newsbank only contains newspaper and newsmagazine articles.

You also need to measure the level of information you need. If you are looking for a general overview encyclopedias or handbooks are better than journal articles, which usually only deal with one specific aspect.

Tip #3. Check out the database’s help features

If you are still having trouble using the databases, click on the help link. This information varies depending on the database, but typically it will provide suggestions for using the database’s search features along with a number of search strategies and tips. Since each database is unique, it is best to become familiar with its features before searching. The information can help you:

·         Narrow your search results

·         Use features such as Boolean Operators or Truncation

·         Organize your results

Tip #4. Look to other libraries for information

There may be times that our library may not have the materials that best serve your needs. However, there are a number of ways that you can search the collections of other libraries.

Students from Bridgewater College can check out materials from libraries at Eastern Mennonite University, James Madison University, and Mary Baldwin College. You just need to bring your college ID.

The library also has access to the World Cat database, which contains the catalogs of about 10,000 libraries world wide. You can search the catalogs by subject, title, or author. Items include books, DVDs, CDs, articles, and a number other materials. Once you’ve found an item you can request it through Interlibrary Loan.

Tip #5. Choose a different topic

I know it sounds drastic, but if a revision of your search terms does not help your search, then you may have to choose a different topic, or at least modify the one you have. If you start your research early, you should have plenty of time to revise your search focus. If you are having trouble, contact either your professor or one of the librarians. You can also check out the resources available at the Writing Center.  

Additional Resources

University of Washington Libraries – Research 101 (Topics)

UCLA College Library – Narrow or Broaden Your Topic

UCLA College Library – Research Paper Planner

Duke University Libraries, Refining a Topic – Refining a Topic

The Ohio State University Libraries – Searching 101