Keywords are the terms you use to search in the Libraries' databases. They distill your complex topic down into its most basic elements. You keywords should not be a sentence.
Keep in mind that you can try many different keywords and can always look for new ones -- when you find articles, books, or other resources, see what keywords the database uses to describe the article. If you're stuck, these new keywords can help you find more information.
If you are finding you get too many results (thousands) you may want to try adding a few more keywords to make your search more specific to a country, organization, or time period. Apply filters to restrict to certain kinds of results based on publication type, time period, etc. If you are not getting any results or only getting a handful of results, try using a fewer keywords, or try some broader terms.
You may need to conduct broader searches for industry information or product categories if you are unable to find specific results for your topic.
The information below can help you understand the differences between scholarly journals, professional/trade journals, and popular periodicals.
Criteria | Scholarly Journals | Conference Papers | Professional/Trade Journals | Popular Periodicals/ Magazines |
---|---|---|---|---|
Audience | Researchers and experts | Researchers, experts, students | Members of a trade or profession | The general public |
Author | Researchers and experts | Researchers, experts, students | Staff writers and experts in the field | Staff writers, although many articles are unsigned |
References (Sources cited) | Includes reference lists and bibliography. All quotes and facts are documented. | Includes reference lists and bibliography. All quotes and facts are documented. | Reference lists sometimes included. | References rarely included. |
Purpose | To disseminate research findings | To quickly disseminate research findings; possibly preliminary research findings | To publicize current topics in the field and professional issues | To disseminate general information or to entertain |
Content | Detailed research reports and methodologies | Shorter research reports and methodologies. May be used to refine research questions | Trends, standards, and new technologies in the field | General interest stories and news; may include personal narrative and opinions |
Language | Jargon that assumes expertise in the field | Jargon that assumes expertise in the field | Jargon that assumes expertise in the field | Language that requires no expertise |
Publisher | Associations or universities | Conferences or Associations | Associations | Commercial organizations |
Layout | Highly structured organization; includes abstract, bibliography, charts or graphs | Format may vary by conference, but should include an abstract and bibliography | Structured organization; usually includes abstract, bibliography, charts or graphs | Informal organization: eye-catching type and format; includes illustrations or photographs |
Examples | Journal of the American Medical Association; Political Science Quarterly | Frequently released as "Proceedings"; Proceedings of the 49th Hawaiian International Conference on System Sciences | Hospital Business Week; Real Estate Weekly News; Farm Industry News | Time; Newsweek; Science News |