Foundations of Research

OneSearch: Search everything at once

Searching Basics Learned in the OneSearch Video

1. What is OneSearch?

• OneSearch searches everything in the library at once--books, articles, technology, and more.

2. How to Modify Your Search

• Use the limiters along the side of the search results--called "Filtering options" to modify your search results based on source type, date range, and more.

3. Peer-reviewed Journal Articles

• If you are looking for peer-reviewed journal articles, click that limiter in the filtering options, but be aware that a peer-reviweed journal also contains letters to the editor, news, and book reviews.
• Look for Methods, Literature Review, Discussion, and Conclusion sections to ensure you are looking at a research article.
• Some humanities peer-reviewed articles do not contain those sections, but their other aspects should make it clear what they are.

4. Results that are Online

• When a result is available online, click on the title of the source to see the source record page.
• Then click the appropriate link to the actual source. There may be several options.
• If you are off-campus, you will be prompted to login.

5. Results that are on the Shelves

• When a result is available physically, such as a print book, write down or take a picture of the location and the full call number, like this: General Stacks 1st floor 305.48896 H7641.
• You will not be able to locate the item if you don't have those two full pieces of information.

ProQuest Central: Search all types of articles

You can explore the 100+ other databases as you need them.

Searching Basics in the ProQuest Central Video

1. What is ProQuest Central?

ProQuest Central is a database that searches articles from newspapers, magazines, and journals from a variety of topics.

2. How to Get to the Databases Page

On the library homepage, click the link to "Databases." Be careful that you do not confuse it with "Articles & More" or "Journals," which will take you to different locations. Click the letter that begins your preferred database, and then find that database on the list.

3. Use the Limiters to Filter Your Results

Use the limiting options on the search results page to limit by source type, date range, language, and more.

4. Modify your Keywords to Change Your Results

Use different search boxes to separate keywords with AND. Use quotes to keep two words in a phrase together, like with "music therapy." Use parentheses and OR to search multiple synonyms at once. Use NOT when you don't want a word to appear (be careful with that one).

5. Explore the Record Page for More Features

Grab a citation, create a free account and save articles in folders, and order articles for free through Interlibrary Loan, all with the buttons you see on the article record pages. Explore and have fun!

Advanced Searching Strategies

IS 101 covers the basic foundations of research. As you progress through your studies, you'll find yourself needing more advanced searching strategies. The LibHacks guide showcases a few of these.