Empoword

Part Three: Research and Argumentation 309 Most schools pay subscriptions to databases filled will academic works in addition to owning a body of physical texts (books, DVDs, magazines, etc.). Some schools are members of exchange services for physical texts as well, in which case a network of libraries can provide resources to students at your school. It is worth noting that most library websites use an older form of search technology. You have likely realized that day-to-day search engines like Google will predict what you’re searching, correct your spelling, and automatically return results that your search terms might not have exactly aligned with. (For example, I could google How many baksetbal players on Jazz roster and I would still likely get the results I needed.) Most library search engines don’t do this, so you need to be very deliberate with your search terms. Here are some tips: • Consider synonyms and jargon that might be more likely to yield results. As you research, you will become more fluent in the language of your subject. Keep track of vocabulary that other scholars use, and revise your search terms based on this context- specific language. • Use the Boolean operators ? and * for expanded results: o wom?n yields results for woman, women, womyn, etc. o medic* yields results for medic, medicine, medication, medicinal, medical, etc. • Use the advanced search feature to combine search terms, exclude certain results, limit the search terms’ applicability, etc. When using library search engines, be very deliberate with your search terms.