Think about the keywords you use to search
When you search on Google you always get something that seems like a relevant result. Sometimes it is harder to search with databases because the search process functions somewhat differently.- let's look for information for a paper about Global warming and polar bears
Think about alternative words associated with your topic- global warming, climate change, rising sea levels
Broader and narrower - rising sea levels, melting polar ice cap, climate change, polar bears, arctic mammals
Use quotation marks around phrases "global warming", "polar bears"
Use a wildcard - (usually an asterisk *) for getting hits for multiple words sharing the same root - child* gets hits for child, children, child's, childhood, childish, etc.
Connect terms with AND, OR or NOT - capitalize these connecting words (or Boolean Operators) to indicate they are a command
("climate change" OR "global warming") AND "polar bear*"
Contact:
315-786-2314
Research Assistance - Spring 2025
Email is the best method to use to contact me, I check my email several times a day during my normal work hours (9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST Monday through Friday). I check email less frequently (sometimes, not at all) during the weekends and on vacation days; if you need immediate help during these times, use the email and/or chat resources listed on our Ask for Help web page.
I look forward to working with you.
John