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 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.

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.