Performing a Basic Search

Here's how to perform a Basic Search:

If you're not already at the Basic Search page, click Basic Search from the search path bar
Enter one or more words in the Find box
Select a search option by clicking one of the radio buttons below the Find box: Subject, Keyword or Entire document
Optionally enter search limits by clicking More search options
Click the Search button

Note: If you are new to using this database collection, check out the Welcome page.

You may use logical (Boolean) operators, proximity operators and wildcard characters in a Basic Search. Note that when searching the Keyword or Entire Document index, entering two or more search terms without any logical operators between terms is the same as using the N4 proximity operator. So that a search on cats dogs is the same as entering cats N4 dogs. Refer to more examples on how the system searches for phrases.

If your search is successful, you will see a results list page with items matching your search criteria on the right-hand side of the page organized into tabs. You may also see a list of the subject terms most closely matching your search terms on the left-hand side of the page known as the Subject Guide sidebar (however this feature may not available for all collections). If no results can be found, you will see a message asking you to revise your search or select one of the "Did You Mean?" alternate terms.

Follow the link on the Currently Searching message line at the top of the page to view the database(s) which are being cross-searched.