Keywords are words or phrases that describe your research topic. They are used to search for information in the catalog or in databases. When searching for information, you want to employ a variety of search terms because there are multiple ways of describing the same topic.
Start with a question that summarizes and focuses your research topic and identify key concepts associated with the question. Then, generate a list of synonyms and related terms.
Example: "What are the effects of lighting in the play Death and the Maiden by Ariel Dorfman?
Identity synonyms for key concepts.
lighting | play | Death and the Maiden | Ariel Dorfman |
staging | theater | La Muerte y la Doncella | |
stagecraft | drama | ||
illumination | literary work |
|
Identify related concepts: themes of the work (memory, trauma, torture, relationships, etc.), symbols, metaphors, audience, characters, interpretation
The library catalog and many databases offer tools to help you retrieve relevant information. Look for limiting options (date, language, type of publication, etc.) before and after conducting a search.
If you are not finding relevant resources using keyword searches, try using subject terms, also know as descriptors. These are terms assigned to resources by catalogers using a standardized vocabulary. They are conducive to more precise searching. You will often find subject terms or descriptors in a resource's full record. Some databases also have a thesaurus where you can look up subject terms.
Consult the Search Strategies pages of the library's Research 101 guide for more information.