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Chemistry164 - Introductory Chemistry

Suggested Databases

Database Search Tips

Searching in the databases can be tricky, especially since they are all slightly different. Here are some basic tips to get you started:

  • Use keywords instead of phrases. Try searching for "nurse AND education" instead of "how much school do I need to be a nurse?" 
  • Not every article you find in the databases will be complete. Some will only be a citation or a summary. Limit your results to "Full Text" to only see articles you can read every word of online. 
  • Some databases let you limit your results by date. When you need the most up-to-date information this limiter can be a real life saver!
  • Look for an option to create a citation for the article right in the database. This can be a quick and easy way to create your Works Cited or References page. Always double check that the citation is correct, though.
  • Remember that the databases aren't right for everything! If you're looking for general information there are other sources that may work better such as encyclopedias, handbooks, or trusted websites.