LibGuides: Biology: Smart Searching

Smart Searching Strategy

Find keywords that describe your topic using the following steps:

Write one sentence that describes your topic, or write down your research question. Circle the most important words in your sentence. List some synonyms or related terms for each word circled.
Use Mind Mapping with Credo Reference to find related search terms to your topic.
The circled words and related terms are now your list of search terms.

Start research on your topic using best bet databases.

Consider other types of resources if your assignment requires multiple subjects such as EBSCO Research Starters.

Keep track of references you plan to use in your bibliography by using Zotero.

Biology Best Bet Databases
Find the best biology databases for your research.
Credo Reference - Mind Mapping
This visual tool can help you discover connections between key terms by mapping close relationships.
Boolean Connections - U of Texas Dallas
This guide will help you learn to select effective Keywords and demonstrate Boolean connectors and tips to make searching faster and easier.
Boolean Searching: Basic & Advanced - USC Upstate Guide
This LibGuide explores Boolean Searching tips defines different types of Library Searches.
MIT Libraries Database Search Tips
The techniques described in this LibGuide will enable you to quickly retrieve relevant information from the thousands of records in a database.
Advanced Search Techniques - A.T. Still University
This section of the Information Literacy LibGuide will teach students how to perform an advanced search within a database using the components of a research question.