Identifying Keywords
Keywords are the terms that you type into the search box in a library database. They are the essential terms for your idea, the most important words describing your topic.
Before you can begin searching for information in a resource, you need to identify keywords related to your topic.
Key terminology can be be found by scanning:
- Your initial research questions
- In-class readings
- Background research articles from encyclopedias, news articles, popular magazines, etc.
- Bibliographies found at the end of books and articles
- Specialized vocabulary or terms associated with your topic/field of study
- Related, broader, and narrower terms connected to each of the key concepts
- Subject terms assigned to relevant works in library catalogs or research databases
TIP: Make a list or use a chart to keep track of keywords related to your topic. Keep it by your side when you start your research. Make note of which keywords return the most relevant results. It's a dynamic process and you may have to experiment with several synonyms.
Where To Search
- UD Catalog This link opens in a new window
Connect to the University of Dayton Online Catalog to search for books and other materials held by the UD University Libraries. - UDiscover This link opens in a new windowA search tool that lets you retrieve all types of research sources with one search. If you're looking for a variety of sources on your topic, or you're just getting started, UDiscover can help you access more information at once than ever before. It has a Google-like relevancy ranking, but helps you locate scholarly resources.
- University of Dayton Libraries Archives & Special Collections This link opens in a new window
This resource provides access to archival materials from the Marian Library, U.S. Catholic Special Collection, and University of Dayton Archives and Special Collections.
