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