Adapted from the Merrimack McQuade Library "Keyword Searching Versus Subject Searching" Handout.
Keyword Searching | Subject Searching | |
What it is |
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When to use it |
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Advantages |
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Disadvantages |
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Create complex searches using the following rules:
Library records are comprised of fields that contain specific pieces of information. Common fields include:
Limiting searches to a specific field can narrow results. For example, if you are searching for books written by Alexander Hamilton instead of about him, limit your search to the author field.
By default, your keyword search will look in all fields.
Primary Literature = Written by the researcher who conducted the study.
Secondary Literature = Written by someone reviewing the research of someone else.
Scholarly Literature = Written by professors or experts, meant for academic consumption.
Popular Literature = Written for mass appeal, often simplified.