Tip 1
Try broadening your search. For example, a search for "Atomic Force Microscope" may yield no results because the library doesn't have a whole book on Atomic Force Microscopes. Broaden your search to "microscopes" and try again.

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Tip 2
Databases such as OPACs use "controlled vocabulary." For example, if you are searching for a book on cars and type cars in the subject field your search may yield no results. Does this mean the library has no books on cars? Not at all. Can you think of another word for cars? Try automobiles. The bottom line is "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again," and this time try another word.

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Tip 3
There is a BIG difference between a keyword and a subject. When you do a keyword search you are asking if a particular word was mentioned anywhere in the text. When you do a subject search you are asking if there are entire articles dedicated to your topic.

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Jericho High School Library * 99 Cedar Swamp Road * Jericho, New York 11753 (516) 203-3600 x209
e-mail denise_ryder@jericho.k12.ny.us

DRyder 10/01

 

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