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Astronomy

Astronomy resources at ASU Library.

Indexes and Databases

How to Create an Effective Search in an Article-Indexing Database

  1. Write the topic in one simple sentence or as a simple question.

    Example: How can airplane cockpit design be improved?

  2. Divide the sentence into concepts.

    Concept #1: airplane
    Concept #2: cockpit
    Concept #3: design


  3. For each concept, determine synonyms, acronyms, abbreviations, spelling variations.

    Concept #1: airplane, aeroplane
    Concept #2: cockpit
    Concept #3: design


  4. For each concept, place the keywords within parentheses and separate by "OR".

    Concept #1: (airplane or aeroplane)
    Concept #2: (cockpit)
    Concept #3: (design)


  5. Combine the concepts into one search statement separating the concepts by "AND".

    (airplane or aeroplane) and (cockpit) and (design)

  6. Refine the strategy as new/better terminology is discovered via database searching.

    For example, in the EI Compendex database, the term "aircraft" is used instead of airplane. 

  7. Repeat the search with the new terminology.

    (airplane or aeroplane or aircraft) and (cockpit) and (design)

  8. Refine the search as many times as needed.

The ASU Library acknowledges the twenty-three Native Nations that have inhabited this land for centuries. Arizona State University's four campuses are located in the Salt River Valley on ancestral territories of Indigenous peoples, including the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and Pee Posh (Maricopa) Indian Communities, whose care and keeping of these lands allows us to be here today. ASU Library acknowledges the sovereignty of these nations and seeks to foster an environment of success and possibility for Native American students and patrons. We are advocates for the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge systems and research methodologies within contemporary library practice. ASU Library welcomes members of the Akimel O’odham and Pee Posh, and all Native nations to the Library.