1. Keywords - keep it simple, eliminate unnecessary words
2. Boolean Operators - keywords are more successful when you break them up and combine them with operators
3. Search Modifiers and Limiters - experiment with limiters and coding tweaks that will hone your search
4. Experimentation - try out different combinations until you find the ones that best meets your research needs
5. Ask a librarian when you get stuck
Boolean Operators Infographic. (2017). Retrieved from http://pgcc.libguides.com/c.php?g=60038&p=385676
Modifiers are additional tricks that you can use to control your result lists.
Database Search Modifiers
ASTERISK * - use the * to search multiple variations of a word in one search. For example, admin* will search for administrator, administration, and administrators
QUOTATION MARKS " " - use " " to search for an exact phrase. For example, "starving artist"
PARENTHESES ( ) - use ( ) to encapsulate an OR search. For example, (horses OR ponies)
Modifiers for a Google search are similar to database modifiers. Click here for a list of Google search modifiers.