About DataBases

Know what's available
The sheer quantity of electronic data can be overwhelming if your search isn't focused. In the electronic world there are thousands of databases at your disposal. So the first thing to do is to find out which databases or archives are relevant for your topic of interest.

Think before you log on
If you have found the relevant databases, don't log in immediately. Give some thought to what exactly you want to find. Be specific - don't think in generalities. You must avoid being presented with little or irrelevant information for your search. Write down some keywords to search before accessing the databases.

Inventing a good search strategy
Create a list of keywords that precisely describe your topic. There are several ways to do this. For instance: write a list of synonyms or by free associations of words. When you've done a preliminary online search, pay attention to what you find, noting the index terms listed for each hit.
You can broaden your search by using OR in your key phrase (such as MANAGEMENT OR ORGANIZATION), and narrow your search by using AND (such as MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION).

When your first attempts do not give you the expected results, write several combinations of keywords. Figure out how you can broaden your search as well as narrow it. If your first approach doesn't work by yielding either too many hits or not enough, change your strategy. But don't forget that one of the biggest reasons for failed searches is incorrect spelling.

Start your search
Once you've determined a search strategy, choose the appropriate database.
The cost of online research is affordable when you prepare offline.

Getting help
Most databases provide detailed instructions online. Use them to help construct your search strategy. In addition, most databases provide personalized assistance through one or more of these formats: free online help, telephone help, electronic feedback or mail options, real-time, one-to-one assistance from professional searchers.