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Where to Search

The Library Multi-Database Search is a good place to begin searching for peer-reviewed articles on a topic. This tool searches most of the Library's databases at the same time, and you can limit your results to peer-reviewed journals and full text. When searching Library databases, break your topic into main ideas, or keywords, and enter them into individual search boxes. Once you learn these steps for keyword searching in Library databases, you’ll be able to find information on any topic.

Watch an example search and then follow the steps below to learn how to find articles by topic in the Library.

Go to the Multi-Database Search

Steps for Searching Articles by Topic

counter_1 Create a list of search terms

Make a list of the main ideas in your topic, along with any synonyms and related concepts. In this example discussion prompt, there three main ideas.

Example discussion prompt: Describe a current intervention for people with diabetes who struggle to take their medication as prescribed.

An initial list might look like this:

intervention diabetes medication adherence
medication compliance

In this example, medication adherence and medication compliance are common terms used in the health field to capture the idea of patients taking (or not taking) their prescribed medications. Think about terms that are used in your field of study to express complex ideas. Do your best to brainstorm an initial list. You'll have a chance to experiment with your search terms in a later step.

counter_2 Set up your search

Go to the Library Multi-Database Search to set up your search. Here, you'll enter your search terms and select search filters. 

Keywords

Using your search terms from Step 1 enter one idea per search box and add synonyms to the same search box separated by or.

  • As you begin typing, the database will offer suggestions for other search terms to try.
  • For most searches, you can leave the other drop-down menus (AND, All fields) as they are.

Filters

There are three common filters you'll use in your research:

  1. Full text: Returns articles available in full text and excludes articles where only the abstract is available.
  2. Peer-Reviewed: Limits to articles published in scholarly journals.
  3. Publication Date: Limits to articles published within a specific date range.

counter_3 Evaluate your results

Review your results list to determine if your search returned relevant articles. If you don't see articles that will work for your research needs, skip to Step 5 and revise your search.

Here's some things to look for to help you evaluate your results:

  • Look at the number of results listed at the top of the page. This is one indicator of whether your search terms were effective. Are there too many results? Are there not enough?  
  • Your search terms are highlighted or bolded. Are they in the article title, abstract, somewhere else? Where they appear can suggest their degree of importance.  
  • Underneath each article, you'll see a portion of the abstract. Click the 'Show more' link to read the full abstract.  
  • Subjects are the main ideas of the article. Browsing them is a quick way to determine whether to continue to the abstract and full text.   

counter_4 Get the Full text

For articles that interest you, look for a drop-down menu labeled Access options or an Access now (PDF) button to get the full text.

One option you may encounter is Get the Full Text @ Walden. This link will open the full-text article, or it may bring you to a list of databases where the full text is available. If you encounter an error message, email the Library at Ask a Librarian, and we can help you find the article.

counter_5 Revise your search

This is the most important step! Your first search may not be the best search. You will often have to experiment with different keywords, keyword combinations, and filters to find the most relevant results.

To go back to your original search: Click the Advanced search link underneath the search box. This returns you to the three search boxes.

To modify your filters: If you forgot to apply a filter, want to change what you’ve selected, or want to explore other filters, click the All filters button underneath the search box.

Key Takeaways

  • The Multi-Database Search requires you to break your topic into main ideas or keywords.  
  • Enter one idea per search box and add synonyms to the same search box using or.   
  • Use limiters (full text, peer review, and publication date) to narrow your results.  
  • Keep experimenting with keywords and keyword combinations until you get the results you want! 

Check Your Understanding