REL126: Introduction to Religion in a Global Context: Searching Tips & Books

Use OneSearch to find books, e-books, films, and articles.  Remember, we share a physical collection with Roanoke College.  Be sure to look at the location code (HU = Hollins, RC = Roanoke College).  If you need something at Roanoke College click the "Request" button and it will be delivered the next weekday.  You can also use your Hollins ID to checkout books at RC.

Library databases are organized around concepts and in order to effectively search a database you will need to use keywords that represent your topic.  When you begin your research first identify key concepts.  Once you know what those are you can begin brainstorming keywords.  Be sure to think of some keywords that are broader and some that are more narrow. 

Boolean operators help you when searching.  The most popular operators are: AND, OR, NOT.  

AND narrows your search, OR expands your search, NOT limits your search

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Use the asterisk * to truncate a word and search for all forms.

Ex. Invent* will give you: Invent, Invents, Inventor, Invention

Use the question mark ? as a wildcard symbol.

Ex. Wom?n will search: woman & women

Use quotes to search for a specific phrase rather than just keywords

Ex. "Frog King" will search for the phrase rather than pulling every result that has "frog" and "king" somewhere in the record.