Search for articles, books, and more in one place with Clemson's
1. Use Simple Terms
Use short, simple words or phrases. Don't type in your entire topic as one sentence.
EXAMPLE: If you're writing about "the importance of peer relationships in the developmental stage of middle childhood," search only the key words/phrases: peer relationships and development and childhood.
2. Use Search Symbols (Boolean)
or = expand your search by including different forms of a word. EXAMPLES: Stocks or bonds. Cats or felines.
" " = search for a specific phrase. EXAMPLE: "World War Two"
* = add 1-5 characters to the end of a word. EXAMPLES: Panda* finds panda and pandas. Inter* finds internal and internet.
3. Start Broad
If you get too many results, you can always narrow your search terms later.
Follow "Full Text" or "PDF" links, or Ask a Librarian if you can't find the full article!
If we don't own it, order a copy for free using Interlibrary Loan.
