Child Development: Basic Database Search Strategies

The databases simply match the words you enter in the search box. Not all authors use the same language to describe similar topics, so you will need to try a variety of searches.

• Create a list of possible words that could appear in a book or article related to your topic.
• Come up with synonyms or related terms.
• Stick to using 2-4 nouns when searching.

Examples

• children = preschoolers, young children, toddlers, infants, babies, etc.
• health = safety, allergies, disease, flu, well-being, etc.

Using AND, OR, and NOT with keywords can help broaden or narrow your search.

Use AND & OR together, as well.

“child development” OR "human development"

AND play

• “child development”
• “nutritional value”
• “consumer health”

The asterisk * is the most common truncation symbol.

• educat* = education, educator, educated, etc.
• child* = child, children, childhood, etc.

You do have to be careful because you might get unexpected results.

• minor = minor, minors, minority, minorities, minoritized, etc.

"How Library Stuff Works: How to Choose Keywords" by McMaster Libraries (2:42) is licensed under CC-BY.

"How Library Stuff Works: Boolean Operators (AND, OR, NOT)" by McMaster Libraries (3:43) is licensed under CC-BY.