Generally, there are two kinds of searches one can employ while researching article databases or library catalogs. They are keyword searching (which we perform frequently in search engines) and subject searching.
Both types of searches are commonly used together-- a keyword search first to get many results followed by a subject search, to narrow those results:
• Start by doing a keyword search, using words or phrases describing your topic.
• Browse through your results list and choose two or three relevant results.
• Notice the Subject or Descriptor (also called subject headings or controlled vocabulary) field in those relevant records and note the terms used. Keep a list of them to help you remember. (They are also hyperlinked for easy access to all material with that Subject.)
• Redo your search using the subjects or descriptors you identify. Your results will be much more precise than those from your initial keyword search.