Q. What is subject searching and how can I use it?
What Is Subject Searching?
Within our library databases, you will find a feature that allows you to focus your search on specific subject categories. Subject terms are predefined fields in the library records and are used for all items within a database or source that relate to that term.
For example, if you found an article in the database such as:
Guntzviller, L. M., King, A. J., Jensen, J. D., & Davis, L. A. (2017). Self-efficacy, health literacy, and nutrition and exercise behaviors in a low-income, Hispanic population. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 19(2), 489-493. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10903-016-0384-4
The subject terms associated with this article might include:
- studies, healthy food, Public Health, health education, social cognitive theory, low-income groups, minority and ethnic groups.
- On the right side of the article webpage, you will find Search with Index terms and a variety of other terms to help you research your topic.
By searching for the subject terms supplied by the database alongside this article, you may be able to find similar articles on this topic.
Note: If you find an article you find particularly useful, look at the subject terms and try using the same in your search.
Most Useful For
- Once you find a useful resource on your topic, subject searching allows you to find similar resources
- Allows you to broadly search for sources on a topic
Cautions
- Can be difficult to use if the subject associated with a topic isn't obvious
- Results will vary from one database to another
As always, check out the Research Process Guide or the Research Tutorial for in-depth information about research.