Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) are designed to work most effectively in a full-text environment because they help define a context for the subject you are trying to locate. Phrases can be more efficient than one-word terms.

Use keywords to search in the entire text of a record in combintation with a subject field search. Use a phrase with quotation marks. Examples include…

• subject:teaching and math

• subject:education and college

• women and education

• "adult education"

You can also refine your search by selecting On the Shelf and Hillman Library.

Use the bibliography or citations listed in journal articles or books to find further sources.

Ask yourself these questions:
a. Do you need scholarly information or do other types apply?
b. How current does the information need to be?
c. Can you access this information online or is it only available in print?
d. What will you do if the information is not available immediately?

Keep track of your work

This step will save you a great deal of time and effort when you are writing your paper. If you keep track of your searches and the details of information sources (like author, title, date acquired) you will not have to go on a last minute hunt for that information. More importantly, it will save you from repeating unsuccessful searches or obtaining duplicate information.

You can request material through PittCat using Get It, even for material that we do not own. You must be signed in and then click on the item you need. Options within the item:

If you have any questions about this, please contact us so we can work with you to try and get the material you need.