POL 344: Critical Presidential Elections

Librarian: Julie Gilbert (x7552, jgilber2@gac.edu)

Course website: http://gustavus.edu/academics/library/Guides/POL344president.html

Advanced Search Techniques

Although keyword searches are often the way most of us search databases initially, using advanced features and a planned search strategy will help you find quality sources faster and more efficiently.

• Search Tips:

• Brainstorm search terms, including synonyms, broader and narrower terms – many databases allow you to combine synonyms in a single search

• A great way to generate search terms is to look up your topic in a reference book. The book will often provide you with an overview of the topic, ideas for terms, and often a bibliography.

• Combine terms with OR to find records that contain at least one of your terms – this works especially well when several words or phrases can describe one concept:
• “lobbying” OR “activism”

• Combine terms with AND to find records that contain both of your terms
• “interest groups” AND “environmentalism”

• Use truncation to search for various forms of a word – “environment*” retrieves environment, environmental, environments, etc. Note that different databases will use different truncation symbols – check each database’s search tips page.

• Use Limit options (date range, publication type, etc.)

• Use the database’s thesaurus – sometimes even brainstorming and reference books won’t yield the specific descriptors a database uses. Play around with the search tabs in a database until you find the thesaurus.

• Pearl growing – if you read an article that’s perfect for your topic, search for the articles and books cited in the bibliography

• Use the Find It! button to locate materials not available full text in your database. If the article is not available through Gustavus, request it through Interlibrary Loan.

• Talk to a librarian at any point during your research. Email me or give me a call – you can also stop by the reference desk at any time.

Databases

The searching techniques we discussed above apply to almost every database you will encounter. Some will have more limit options, others will use different truncation symbols, and others will offer different search fields.

The amount of full text availability differs by database as well; some have full text coverage, others have partial, while others provide only citations. Access databases from the drop down menu on the library’s homepage. The following is a list of recommended databases; consult your course page for more suggestions.

• JSTOR
• Political Science (SAGE full text)
• New York Times Historical
• Proquest Newsstand
• Social Science Citation Index
• America: History and Life

Books

For books at Gustavus, search via MnPALS (library’s catalog). The call number system is a little hard to navigate – for books in the general collection (which includes most of our books) call numbers starting A – PQ are located on the third floor while those starting PR – Z are on the main floor. Tags on the side of the shelves will direct you further, but don’t be afraid to ask a librarian for direction – this is one of our most frequently-asked questions!

There are several options for finding books in other libraries. Set the “Libraries to Search” box to search All MnPALS libraries. Use the ILL button to request books at other libraries. You can also search MnLINK – for all MN libraries - or WorldCat – for libraries in North America, Australia, and Europe. These are available from the database drop down menu on the library’s homepage. Use the Get It! button in MnLINK and the Find It! button in WorldCat for interlibrary loan.

For Interlibrary Loan forms, you will need your 14 digit barcode number from your 3 crowns card, and your password, which is usually your last name. You can always print out the record of what you want, include your name and barcode, and drop it at the ILL counter.

Contacting Julie

• Email: jgilber2@gac.edu
• Phone: x7552
• Facebook

I’m always happy to talk with you about your research!