College of Rehabilitation Sciences: How to Search

• To be a good at searching databases it is important to use common search techniques that you can apply to almost any database, including article databases, online catalogs and even commercial search engines.

• Online databases offer more options and more control over your searches and require search techniques not commonly available in many search engines.  

• Using these techniques will help you find relevant articles, books and other materials related to your information need
• When you search a database and do not get the results you expect, Ask Us for advice.  Library staff are happy to help you find what you need, also feel free to contact the CoRS librarian directly with any questions about searching databases.

Email or schedule an appointment with a CoRS Librarian.

Use Ask Us to get help from UM Libraries

Searching Basics

1. Create a Searchable Question
2. Boolean Operators
3. Search Strategy
4. Subject Headings and Keywords
5. Phrases
6. Truncation
7. Fields
8. Limits