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"Searching" menu below
Introduction
Databases
Database Coverage
Database Exercise
Records
Field Searching
Creating a Search Query
Creating a Search Query Exercise
Searching the UW / UWCat Demo
Review Quiz

 

Searching

Field Searching

Most databases search "words anywhere" or "keywords" automatically unless you select another type of search. A keyword search finds matches for your terms in any field of a record, so you will typically retrieve more. Many databases allow you to search for matches only in specific fields such as author or subject and will sometimes refer to this as an "advanced," "field," or "expert" search.

For example,

If you are a detective and the only clues you have for a missing persons case are the words "red," "blue," and "green," these people could be a match. This is keyword searching.

Red + Blue + Green =

 

If instead you knew your person had a red tie, blue shirt, and a green beret, you have a better chance of finding the right guy. This is field searching.

Tie=RED, Shirt=BLUE, Beret=GREEN =

     
Police line-up of 5 people wearing different combinations of red, blue and green
Police line up with one person that particularly matches the description

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Why do a field search?

Click below for an example of the accuracy of field searching, in this case for a subject.

If you were searching for information about corruption in immigration, which of the following searches returns a more relevant record? Why?


corruption and immigration

 

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