While searching:
Database Searching Tips from University Librarians
Subject Headings can save you a lot of time and frustration by limiting to articles that are right on your topic.
A subject heading is an assigned word (or phrase) used in a database to describe a concept. Search using this standardized word instead of keywords, so you do not need to worry about synonyms and spelling variations.
Subject headings yield very precise, focused searches, so as a general rule of thumb, if there is an appropriate subject heading for one of your concepts--USE IT!
Please note: Not all databases have subheadings or allow 'major' headings. Check the Help section of the database for clarification.
Why use subject headings?
Keyword searches can results in a large number of irrelevant results.
Search by subject headings, keywords or both?
Comprehensive searches usually use a combination of both keywords and subject headings
Comparison Chart
Method 1: Keyword Search Results
Method 2: Browse Thesaurus
Browse the thesaurus (subject heading list), if available.
Most thesauri include:
Loyola University Chicago Libraries
Cudahy Library · 1032 W. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60660 · 773.508.2632
Lewis Library · 25 E. Pearson St., Chicago, IL 60611 · 312.915.6622
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