The two most common types of searches are keyword and subject.
Keyword: When you do a keyword search, you are searching for a word or words anywhere in a record. This is similar to searching Google.
Subject: Catalogues and databases organise information according to subject. Results of a subject search will have a certain amount of topic similarity. Different databases/catalogs may use different subjects.
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Keyword |
Subject |
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Language |
Uses natural language - how we speak. Example: "Cap and Trade" or "high stakes testing" A good way to start your search. |
Predefined controlled vocabulary usually found in the database's thesaurus. Information is organised in a very formal way. Example: emissions trading or educational evaluation. |
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Flexibility |
Very flexible. Terms can be combined or alternate terms used. Example: swine flu, swine influenza, H1N1 |
Less flexible. You must know the exact controlled vocabulary term or phrases the database or catalogue uses. |
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Fields Searched |
Database looks for keywords anywhere in the record (title, author name, subject headings, etc.) Often retrieve thousands of results, many of which may have little to do with your intended topic. |
Database looks for subjects only in the subject heading or descriptor field, where the most relevant words appear. |
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Speed |
Can search quickly. |
Searches take more time - you must first find your subject term and then search. |
As a rule of thumb, keyword searches are quicker, but subject searches produce better results.