If you not satisfied with your results at the stage, you consider alternative methods of searching. This may include using truncation, wildcards and phrase searching. More information on alternative methods of search can be found here
These are used when there are different spellings of the same word. Wildcards allow us to use a symbol to replace the different letter(s). In Discovery( the search engine on the library homepage) the symbol ? is used to replace 1 letter. and # is used to replace 0 or 1 letter. Below are few examples of wildcard process:
organi?ation = organisation/organization
behavio#r = behaviour/behavior
wom?n = woman or women
Truncation is a technique that broadens your search to include various word endings and spellings. To use truncation, enter the root of a word and put the truncation symbol at the end. Most databases will return results that include any ending of that root word.
Examples:
child* = child, childs, children, childrens, childhood
genetic* = genetic, genetics, genetically
Phrase searching used to specify that a group of words/phase must be in exact order.
“purchasing power”
Each database will come with very useful help sections. These guide provide plenty of helpful advice on searching the databases.
The search process can often provide to be difficult. If you do not find what you are looking for, try a different search method or contact the library for assistance. The library are always happy to help students in their search process.