Library Search Tips and Tricks
1. Limit your search on the left side bar. You may choose to only search for scholarly (peer reviewed) journals or trade publications. You also may find it helpful to limit by date to only find recent information. By limiting, you will take out unnecessary information and ensure your search is narrow and focused.
2. Read the title and subject of an article to determine its relevance. The title and subject will tell you a lot about what you are about to read before you actually read it.
3. Click the article title and check the abstract for further details. If included, an abstract is a short summary of an article.
4. Access on the article in the top left corner of the record. Typically, there will be a link to PDF full text or a "Click to Access" button.
5. Ask for help. Connect with the library and we will help you find information.
Google Tips and Tricks
1. Add site:.ca to search for Canadian content. This works for other domains too, such as .gc.ca for Canadian government, .gov for American government, or sait.ca for only content on SAIT's website.
2. Use the minus sign (-) in place of NOT to remove results with a certain word.
3. Like in Library search, use Quotes (" ") to find phrases, such as "Southern Alberta Institute of Technology" or "Repetitive Strain Injury".
4. Use the Advanced Search. The Advanced Search will make it easier to break up your concepts and search strategically.
5. Evaluate critically. Be careful about using any result you find online, as there may be bias, issues with credibility, and sometimes just downright lies. Evaluate your information using RADAR.
You may need to search through subject specific resources to find information for your field, such as engineering, automotive, construction, etc. Visit our list of e-Resources and limit by subject to find databases that are specific to your field.