Unlike Google and other web searches, databases work best when you enter keywords instead of full phrases or questions. Each database has its own set of recognized vocabulary, so having a variety of keywords can help you avoid frustration while searching.

• Keywords represent the major concepts of your topic
• Try variations of a keyword, or synonyms.
• Add new vocabulary or keywords from your initial search results
• Get additional keywords from the title, abstract, and subject headings of articles.

Identify Keywords

1. Define Your Research Question or Topic

Why? Understanding your topic before you dive into searching keeps you focused on your topic and less likely to get sidetracked by irrelevant material.

2. Break It Down: Pick Out the Core Concepts

How? Focus on nouns or noun phrases. Avoid generic words like 'impact' that can cause you to get general or irrelevant results.

3. Identify Related Terms for Each Core Concept

Why? Search engines and some databases can suggest related topics, but it's useful to try multiple searches using similar terms. 

How? Brainstorm or search online for related words.

How It Works

1. What is the impact of glacial melting on wildlife in Alaska?

2. What is the impact of glacial melting on wildlife in Alaska?

3. Glacial melting - ablation, snowmelt, thawing, "Mendenhall Glacier"

Wildlife - animals, fish, bear, ecology

Alaska - arctic, "Bering Sea" OR "Bering Straight"