Search tips - English for Further Studies - Business

How do I search a database?

Databases may be searched by keywords or search terms.

To develop a search strategy, identify the key concepts or ideas contained in your topic.

Example question:
Discuss how small businesses can use social media in their marketing strategy.

Three main concepts are contained in this question:

Concept 1: Small business
Concept 2: Social media
Concept 3: Marketing

Once you have your keywords, they can be combined into a search strategy to find information.

How to combine search terms in a Database

Use Boolean Logic to combine your three keywords.

(For further information on Boolean Logic see diagrams on this page)

Search 1: Using AND: Small business AND social media AND marketing

Search 2: Using OR: Instagram OR Facebook

Search 3: Combine your terms: (Instagram OR Facebook) AND small business AND marketing

TIP: to search for a whole phrase use quotation marks eg "social media", "financial accounting"

This is a brief presentation on the databases available at Holmesglen library, and some searching tips.