UA Online & Distance Learning

Wondering how to access the library resources you need? Start here with this overview of the key research tools available on the University Libraries website! Find out about our discovery search tool, Scout, and learn about specialized tools like Databases, Publication Finder, and Lean Library that will connect you with the information you need for your assignments and research.

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This video covers basic search procedures in Scout and some of Scout's most popular features.

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Picking the right databases can be tricky, but your librarian can help. Contact your liaison librarian and ask for advice. 

Nearly all databases/search engines include Boolean Operators. Understanding how they work is crucial to being an efficient searcher. 

AND:

• Narrows your search by combining two or more search terms.
• Example: Hypertension AND "DASH Diet" 
  • would retrieve articles about how the DASH diet can help to mitigate hypertension. 

OR: 

• Broadens your search by looking for either term. 
• Example: (Hypertension OR "high blood pressure") AND "DASH DIET" 
  • would retrieve articles about how the DASH diet can help to mitigate hypertension OR high blood pressure. 

NOT: 

• Narrows your search by specifically filtering out one (or more) search term
• Example: (Hypertension OR "high blood pressure") AND "DASH DIET" NOT diabetes 
  • ​​​​​​​would retrieve articles about how the DASH diet can help to mitigate hypertension OR high blood pressure (while ignoring articles that also mention diabetes).