21 Basic Guidelines for Research in Academic Databases

Becoming familiar with the way that research databases work can take some time. However, with some understanding of what academic research databases can do for you, and with some practice and tinkering around, you will soon be more comfortable doing your research in these databases instead of through internet search engines. While the content on the rest of this page applies most specifically to MTSU Walker Library’s JEWL Search, the tips are relevant to any research database.

How Can You Use an Academic Research Database Effectively?

The following are suggestions for how to make effective use of a database:

• Avoid typing your whole research question into the search field. Use only keywords, in various combinations.
• Use several keywords at once, and be willing to change each word for a synonym if you hit a dead end with one set of words.
• Use “AND” or “OR” to retrieve more results or to limit your results.
• Use the database’s own Subject Terms to help you to refine your searches within that database.

What is the JEWL Search?

Our library’s JEWL Search allows you to find books, articles, images, videos, scores, audio recordings, encyclopedia entries, and more from a single search. Results include thousands of online resources in each category, as well as items physically held by the libraries on campus. Previously, users had to search multiple boxes or databases to find these different types of resources. Use the filters on the left of the search results screen to narrow by item type, publication date, subject, and more.

The video below offers a quick overview of how you can use JEWL Search to

• limit your search results to only get peer reviewed (scholarly) articles,
• refine your search to specific dates or source types,
• access articles that you find,
• and get research help from a librarian.

A Note about Google Scholar vs JEWL Search

Many students report using and liking Google Scholar. If Google Scholar works for you—and it certainly can work well—then by all means continue to use it along with JEWL Search. What may happen, however, is that while you can find article titles via Google Scholar searches, you may not get access to the full article because you do not have a paid subscription to the journal in which the article is published.

JEWL Search, and the many other academic research databases that can be accessed from the university library, will give you access to most articles. If you find a title via Google Scholar that you cannot access, try to find it in JEWL Search or another database.