Animal Studies

Tips for better search results in databases

This usage works on most databases, but check 'Help' sections for supported search syntax. 

Boolean:

(using operators: AND, OR, NOT) 

• animal AND human 

  • searches for occurrences of both words within scope defined

• cat OR dog

  • searches for one or all, but both are not required

• canine NOT dog

  • searches for occurrences of the word ‘canine’ without use of the word ‘dog’

• (therapy NOT physical) AND animal

  • searches for occurrences of the word ‘therapy’ without use of the word ‘physical,’ then also requires the word ‘animal’

Truncation: 

• "art*"

  • searches for art, arts, artistic, artful, etc.

Wildcard: 

• "m?n"

  • searches for man and men

General databases contain content from a variety of subject areas and publication types.  This will allow you to look at your research from a wide perspective.  Be sure to use the search refinements each database may offer including: date, document type, and source type. 

Unlike the general databases, subject-specific databases generally focus solely on journal articles as a publication type and do not have a broad, multidisciplinary approach.  This list contains links to a few of the core databases in a variety of subject areas.  For deeper research into a specific subject area, consult the research guide for that area or contact the subject librarian.