Advanced Search Strategies

Advanced searching is a more complex piece of the research process in that it allows you to conduct more specific searches.  Conducting a successful advanced search requires a basic understanding of how to use a database's search functions.  However, learning these skills will make you more efficient in finding the sources you need.

Characteristics of Basic and Advanced Searches

A basic search:

• Contains only one search bar/field.
• Has limited filters.
• Does not allow for separation of keywords/phrases.
• Typically searches a database's entire collection.

An advanced search:

• Contains multiple search bars/fields.
• Has several search filters.
• Can separate keywords/phrases
• Can search a specific collection or section of a database.

Why are advanced searching and advanced search strategies important?

Advanced search strategies are critical to the research process because:

• They provide ways to conduct more specific sources.
• They make searching for materials more efficient.
• They provide tools to locate sources based on little information (when searching for a specific source title, author, etc.).
• They apply to most research databases.

Visit the side navigation tabs in this guide to learn more about advanced search strategies.