1. WATCH: Two-minute video from Augustana Library on Key Concepts and Keywords.
This quarter, you will have a final research project where, in a group or individually, you will pick a topic related to business or careers. Once you have a topic, make a list of the search terms that you think will get you the most relevant results.
EXAMPLE: Your topic is to explore a trend in the area of Culinary Arts. The trend your group has identified is the popularity of plant-based diets.
Step 1: Brainstorm specific words that describe trends in the plant-based foods industry. Possible terms include:
Step 2: Think of ways to pair at least two of your words together to create a search that will give you good results. Here are a few examples:
health AND plant-based food
restaurants AND vegan diet
meat alternative AND environment
Step 3: Watch the video about searching a library database.
NOTE: As of Tuesday, January 31, the library homepage has a new design so it will not look the same as in the video. Rather than scrolling to a link (as in the video), click on the Database box.
Step 4: Go to the library database, ABI/INFORM Trade & Industry or ProQuest and use at least two of your words to create an effective search.