How-to Guides

Basic Searching Concepts

http://www.library.ohiou.edu/subjects/eng151/searchterminology.pdf
Definitions of database, record, and field; explanations and examples of Boolean connectors, phrase searching, truncation, and search limiters

Common Elements of a Database (Academic Search Complete)

http://www.library.ohiou.edu/subjects/eng151/aspscreenshots.pdf
Sample screens from Academic Search Complete. The first one identifies key elements of the Search Screen, and the second one does the same for a sample record for an article.

Three Kinds of Search Tools Compared (Database, Catalog, Web)

http://www.library.ohiou.edu/subjects/eng151/3typesofsearchttools.pdf
A table that highlights the features of Article Databases, Library Catalogs, and Web Search Tools, with a second page that compares web search engines and web directories.

Hints on Evaluating Shortcuts (Books, Articles, Web Sites)

http://www.library.ohiou.edu/subjects/eng151/evaluation-hints.pdf
This page outlines some of the criteria you should use when deciding what sources you might wish to use for a research project. Covers books, articles, and the web.