This guide was created by a former librarian and is in the process of being updated. Please contact the current subject librarian assigned to this guide with questions or suggestions. 

Start with your topic sentence.  I am researching adolescent healthy eating initiatives.  

Next break it down.  What are other words that can be used?

adolescent  young adult  teen* picks up teen, teens, teenager, teenagers

healthy eating  nutrition

initiatives  programs projects  studies

Connect them using the following words

and : narrows your results.  All words must be in the results  adolescent and healthy eating

or : broadens your results.  Any of the words must be in your results. healthy eating or nutrition

not : excludes words.  adolescent not (males or boys)

() : allows you to combine it all together.  (adolescent or teen* or young adult) and (healthy eating or nutrition) and (initiative or program or study or projects)

Here are some helpful hints to assist you in getting the most out of research.

1.  Buy a copy of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. The first three chapters are a very important guide to writing for an academic audience.

2.  Set the foundation - build your skills, just as you would  in learning anything new.  The more you do it the better you become.

3.  Ask for help!  Get to know your subject librarian.  We can help you with search strategies and source selection to maximize your time management.

4.   Sign up for Interlibrary Loan which is also known as ILLiad.