Writing Guides: Database Searching

Library Website

Use this link to go directly to the Otto F. Linn Library website. From here you can explore the library catalog, guides, databases, and more. 

A-Z Databases

This link will take you directly to a page showing every database - organized alphabetically - you have access to through Warner Pacific. Some databases will have a description which will tell you what type of information you will find in the database.

AND

• Links search terms together
  • Nursing = 1, 777, 130 results
  • Nursing AND pediatrics = 82, 149 results

OR

• Searches for one term or another
  • Nursing = 1, 777, 130 results
  • Nursing OR pediatrics = 3, 243, 306 results

NOT

• Excludes the search terms directly following it
  • Nursing = 1, 777, 130 results
  • Nursing NOT pediatrics = 1, 702, 901 results

*Asterisk

• Attaches to the stem of a word and searches for any word including that stem, or letters before the asterisk
  • Nurs* will return results with the following words: Nurse, Nursing, Nurses

() Parentheses

• Are used to encapsulate or statements
  • (elderly OR aged OR senior citizen OR geriatric)

" " Quotation Marks

• Returns exactly what you typed inside the quotation marks
  • "Nursing Care" = 151, 506 results
  • Nursing Care = 791, 933 results

# or ! or ?  Symbols

• Are used to assist with words that are spelled differently, but mean the same thing
  • wom!n = woman, women
  • colo#r = color, colour