Keywords are the words you use to search for information. It is helpful to identify synonyms for the most important words in your research question because, unlike Google, most Library databases do not search for synonyms. Developing alternate keywords and combining them in a variety of ways will give you a broader range of information and sources.
Example research question:
Should Civil War statues be removed?
Identify the most important words in your research question and develop synonyms for them.
| Civil War | statues | removed |
|---|---|---|
| War Between the States | memorials | demolished |
| Union / Confederacy | sculptures | destroyed |
Use different combinations of the words in your table to search the Library's databases.
Use the Library catalog to find print books and eBooks related to your topic. You can search by title, author, or keyword.
Below is a list of suggested databases for your DEN 101 assignments.
