Search Types
Depending on where you are searching, you may have many options as to the type of search you wish to do. Most of these searches search for a specific type of information about the articles or books you will find. For example:
- An author search retrieves items written by the person whose name you are searching. When searching by author in the CUNY Catalog, make sure that you type last name first.
- A title search is useful when you know the exact title of what you are looking for. You just need to type in the first few words of the title.
- A keyword search usually searches all the information about a particular item. It also lets you combine concepts to narrow your focus. Example: exercise and heart disease. Too few results may mean you need to use different search terms. Always remember to check your spelling!
- A subject search relies on the use of a controlled vocabulary, that is, a set of consistent search terms used throughout the database. For example, the CUNY Catalog uses Library of Congress Subject Headings. If you find a book or article that looks good, check the subject headings so that you will know which ones to use. Otherwise a list of them can be found near the Reference desk in the red volumes called The Library of Congress Subject Headings.
