Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/) is a freely accessible web database that links to resources across all disciplines. It is more effective, however, when linked to the university's resources.
Before searching, click on the "More" icon on the far top left and select Settings -
If you are connected to the Gardner-Webb server, the list will default to Gardner-Webb databases. If not, type Gardner-Webb University in the blank and select that university in the list. Don't forget to Save the selection. With this setting, you can click on any links connected to Gardner-Webb and sign in with your GWU username and password.
In a broad search for University students, you receive over 5 million hits. Obviously, you would want to narrow this search either by adding additional keywords in your search box or by using Advanced Search (located just above the Settings link used previously). Notice that you can narrow by given dates or by creating a custom date range. Many of these resources (and particularly those at the top of the list) are found in Gardner-Webb's library. Simply click on the link on the right and log in with your GWU username and password. These resources are already paid for by the library. NEVER pay for articles on the Internet. If we do not have them, you can order them through Interlibrary Loan.
Under the article or book information, you will see quote marks (recommended citation), number of times this resource has been cited by other authors, related articles, a link to export to RefWorks, etc.
Decide if you want to search words as a phrase, find all the words in your list in one article, etc., through Advanced Search. You can also narrow by date range, specific journal or author, etc. Results of the search below also gave me articles using the keyword "retention," so I now have another keyword to add to my searching.
