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Keyword Searching vs. Subject Searching
In our tutorial, we demonstrated a keyword search. The other option in the Library Catalog is subject searching. The following examples demonstrate keyword and subject searching in the Library Catalog, but most databases, such as Academic Search Premier, have an option for subject searching as well as the keyword search.
Subject Searching
- A subject search in the Library Catalog for "running," will get a list like the one below. The catalog found 497 items having to do with running. The catalog divides the large subject into subheadings, such as running injuries.
- If you click on the general subject heading "Running", you will see the titles of all 75 books about running. The list is in alphabetical order by title. It will look similar to the one below:
- "See Also" References
Subject Searching
Pros:
- Very accurate search results
- Organized search results with subheadings and cross-references
Cons:
- You must know the correct terminology to use
- No Boolean searching (and, or)
Keyword Searching
- A subject search for running found 497 library resources. A keyword search for running found 3186! Though the searching is more flexible and finds more resources, a keyword search will also find a lot of irrelevant items. See below:
- Other items on the list, however, are very relevant. Further down the list, "Marathon Training", might be a good place to start researching the topic of running. Keyword searches almost always come up with some results, even if some are not relevant.
Keyword Searching
Pros:
- Flexible - will find almost anything so you can use any words in your topic
- Can use Boolean (and, or) searching to narrow or broaden search
- Searches more parts of the item's record (title, table of contents, etc.) and finds more items
- Library Catalog will list keyword results in order by date, with the most recent listed first
Cons:
- May find items that are irrelevant to your topic
Linking to Subject Headings After Doing a Keyword Search
Even if you prefer a keyword search, you can use subject headings because they are provided at the bottom of every record. See instructions below:
- If you find one book that is perfect for your topic, you can look at the subject links below the description.
- The subject links are Library of Congress Subject Headings.
- Click on the link that best applies to your topic for more books on that specific subject, such as College Students -- United States -- Psychology.
