Follow the following tips to build a search that delivers the information you need.
- Do not search by subject. Search by "keyword" or just don't specify where you want to search. That will tell the database to search all of the the information collected about the article/book/resource as well as the text of the resource.
- Less is more. Use the fewest number of words possible. Example: If you want information about how AI can complicates copyright and ownership of works, search for AI and Copyright.
- After the first search, use the menus on the left side of the page to narrow the results by date, type of publication, subject, language, etc.
- Write down your search terms and where you have searched. It will help you avoid repeating your work AND can help you figure out ways to improve a search.
- If you do not know what database is most helpful, use Google Scholar. If you are on campus, you will automatically be able to open articles from publications that UMD subscribes to. If you are off campus, use Reload @ UMCP button to quickly find out if we subscribe to an article and you have access to the article.
- One good article is all it takes. If you find a relevant article, you can then use the bibliography to identify other articles on the same topic.
