IWU OCLS Blog

Database Search Tips for Adult Students in 2024

Database Search Tips for Adult Students in 2024

Happy New Year, scholars! As 2024 begins, we're excited to share some valuable database search tips. Whether pursuing a degree, enhancing your professional knowledge, or indulging in personal learning, these tips will make your research journey smoother and more productive. Let's dive in!

1. Start with a Clear Research Question

Before opening a database, be clear about what you're looking for. A well-defined research question helps focus your search, saving time and effort. For example, instead of searching for "education," narrow it down to "What is the impact of online learning on adult education in 2024?"

To learn more about creating a research question, read our blog, Start Your Research with a Question!

2. Utilize Advanced Search Options and Filters

Most databases offer advanced search options. Use these to refine your search by peer-reviewed (scholarly) articles, subject area, or publication date. This precision helps in finding the most relevant information quickly.

3. Master Keyword Magic

Keywords are the secret sauce of effective database searching. Think about different variations and synonyms of your main keywords. If you're researching "remote work," consider synonyms like "telecommuting" or "work from home."

4. Don't Overlook Subject Headings

Subject headings are like breadcrumbs leading you to the correct information. They categorize articles under standardized terms, making finding relevant material on a topic easier. When you search for subject terms, your results will be about your topic. 

To learn more about searching with keywords and subject terms, read our blog, Searching with Keywords vs. Subject Terms. 

5. Boolean Operators: Your New Best Friends

Get familiar with Boolean operators – AND, OR, NOT. These simple words can powerfully refine your search. For instance, "online education AND adult learners" will yield results specifically about adult learners in online education.

To learn more about using Boolean Operators, read our blog, What are Boolean Operators? 

6. Read Abstracts Carefully

Before diving into an entire article, read its abstract. This will give you a quick understanding of the article's relevance to your research, saving time from reading unhelpful materials.

7. Leverage Citation Chains

Did you find a perfect article? Check its references for more related resources. This citation chain can lead you to valuable sources you might have missed in your initial search.

8. Save Your Searches

Don't lose a search that you find helpful. Save your search to your database folder, create a link, or email it to yourself. 

To learn more about saving a search, read our blog, Don't Lose Your Searches, Save Them!

9. Stay Organized

Keep track of your searches and sources. Citation manager tools like Zotero or Mendeley can help you manage your research materials. 

Academic Writer is not only a tool to write your APA Style papers faster. Academic Writer includes tagging references (with course name and number), copying and pasting abstracts and quotations, and other tools to manage individual sources.

10. Ask for Help When Needed

Never hesitate to ask for assistance. Librarians are invaluable resources, able to suggest databases, keywords, or search strategies you might not have considered.

If you need assistance with research, visit our Personalized, fill out our Research Help page, and fill out our form to request help. 

As you embark on this year's academic challenges, remember that every search is a step towards greater knowledge and understanding. These database search tips are not just tools for academic success but skills for lifelong learning.

We wish you a year of curiosity, discovery, and academic triumphs. Happy researching in 2024!