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Lehigh University Libraries - Library Guides

IR 335: Intervention

Tips For Using Library Databases

Here are some tips for using the library's bibliographic databases.

See how to do the following in the library's bibliographic databases (see box below for examples of relevant databases):

  • Use of “Boolean” logic (“and” , “or”)
  • Truncation
  • Exact phrase searching

Look for these features of the bibliographic database you are using:

  • If you do an article search and find a search result you like, look for a related/similar articles link;
  • See if a link appears for items that cite the item of interest--great way to find additional bibliography and possibly identify a scholarly debate that can be the focus of your project;
  • Look at the item’s own cited references;
  • Use subject headers, if available, to find similar items;
  • Author links that might bring up other articles by the same author(s).

Suggested Databases