Core Databases

In the EBSCO platform, in the left sidebar under Limit To, the default setting is "Available in Library Collection," which means the results include full text and ORU library books. To expand results, uncheck "Available in Library Collection" and "Full Text" limiters. For items not available in full text, use the "Request from another library" link to request the item from interlibrary loan.

How to Use Subject & Thesaurus Terms

Databases have unique sets of controlled vocabularies, or subject headings, which can help you narrow your topic and target your results. Combine several subjects together or combine subject headings or thesaurus terms with keyword searches.

Examples:
opens new windowDE "CLIMATE change" AND fires (in Environment Complete, DE = subject heading or thesaurus term)
opens new windowDE "GEOLOGIC hot spots" AND (pollutants OR "soil contamination" (in Environment Complete)
opens new windowDE "BIODIVERSITY conservation" AND ("protected areas" OR "ecosystem management") (in GreenFILE, subject term and keyword search)


How to Use the Thesaurus or Subject Heading Terms in Environment Complete

  1. In the database, click Subjects. Enter your term in the "Search for terms in Environmental Thesaurus" text box.
  2. Mark Relevancy ranked or Term begins with for the result display.
  3. Click the term link to view a description, broader terms, narrower, terms, or related terms.
  4. Check the box in front of the term and click the Add to search button to add it to the search text boxes.
  5. Click Search.

Environment Complete subject search

Use Database Limiters

What are your paper requirements?
Do you need peer-reviewed articles?
Are there date restrictions for your resources?

  • Use database limiters to refine your search result list.
  • Set relevant limits, such as Date, Scholarly Peer-Reviewed articles, and other limiters to refine your search.
  • Limiters are available on the Advanced Search page and listed in the side menu.
  • Eliminate issues with variant spelling using truncation (*).

Search Strategies

Use the chart below to guide you in developing effective search expressions.

Search Strategies