Emerson College Library: Distance Teaching: Faculty: Keywords vs. Subjects

What's the difference?

Compare & Contrast Search Strategies

Keyword Search = looks for word(s) in title, abstract, or body text.

Everyone starts their database search with keywords.
But your search doesn't have to end with thousands of overwhelming results.

Subject Heading Search = looks for matching descriptive subject metadata.

A human indexer assigns subject terms to each article, book, and video, using a controlled vocabulary. (This is how most library databases and library catalogs are organized.) Subject headings are basically a strict hashtag system designed to help researchers and students find content faster.

Expert users start with keyword searches, then switch to searching by content.
Manage overwhelming results by only viewing subject-relevant content!

1. Keyword Search: Asian Stereotypes

More than 250,000 results is... a lot. There's some good stuff here. But more on-target content and fewer results would help.

2. View Subject Headings Within Sample Article: Asian Stereotypes

Skim the Subject Terms list! Click relevant terms.
Easy, fast way to see more articles on similar subjects.
More precise than a keyword search in many cases.

3. Modified Subject Search: Model Minority Stereotype

50 results more manageable than 250,000 results.
All results contain substantial content on the model minority stereotype. On target!