 Step 9
Print, e-mail, or save your final results
All databases will have options that allow you to print, save or email your results of the search. Look for the buttons on the
screen that provide these options. These will reformat the
articles for printing. For best results, DO NOT use the print
option on your browser.
 Step 10
Locate your articles
Once you've found and copied (or printed) your citations, using
the appropriate index / database, the next step is to find the
article itself.
 The database you have searched may provide links
to the full-text of the journal article. You will then be
able to access the article online and read, save or
print.
 If your article is not available electronically full text,
then the next step is to search the library catalogue
 Check the Library catalogue (OPAC) for the titles of
journals you require. Search for the title of the journal
and NOT the article title or article author. The journal
title may be referred to as the Source in your
reference
 If you find that the journal is here, the next step is to
go to the third or fourth floor in the Library and find the
journal and the article within it.
 If a particular journal is not available in our Library or
online, you can request a copy from another library
via interlibrary loan.
 Step 11
Borrow or photocopy the items you need
Edminson Library
Edgewood Campus
www.library.ukzn.ac.za
Subject Searching
Our Mission Statement
The Libraries of the University of KwaZulu-Natal provide
resources and information services to support the
learning, teaching, research and development
endeavours of the University Community.
Bibliographic databases will help you locate references that have
been published on a given subject during a particular time
period. This procedure is intended to help you get started
locating information in the Library’s print and electronic
resources.
Library or bibliographic databases are huge lists of references
which you search by keywords, title or controlled subject
headings. Originally published regularly in print form, most are
now electronic, issued as CD-ROMs or electronic databases.
They can cover one subject area, or many
A list of the databases are available at the Library homepage :
www.library.ukzn.ac.za. For logins and passwords or assistance
with searching, contact your Subject Librarian
 Step 1
 Step 4
Select a database to begin your search. The library subscribes to
a number of electronic databases and electronic journals. Select an
appropriate database from those available. Look on the Library
webpage at Electronic Resources for the list of databases. Use the
OPAC to search for books and journals in our Libraries.
 Step 5
Begin your search
Enter your selected database and follow the instructions on the
screen. Use the keywords you selected in Step 2 to begin your
search. Remember to consider acronyms, spelling and the plural of
search words.
 Step 6
Survey the topic by locating and reading background
information on your topic. If you know little about your topic,
start with the Library Reference collection on the Reference area.
Combine your keywords and use Boolean operators as needed.
Each database will have some means that will allow you to combine
your search terms in various ways. It is recommended that you start
with a broad search and then refine it to make it more specific.
 Step 2
 Step 7
Analyse your topic and write down questions about your topic
for which you need answers. Formulate the goal or objective –
the information being sought – as precisely as possible to save
time and wasted effort. Identify important concepts, sub-topics
and related terms. From your questions, select two or three
main concepts or ideas – these will be your keywords.
Examine your best, most applicable records and note the
subjects listed. If necessary, repeat your search, this time using the
subject terms that are used to describe those articles that best
define your question or topic. Using these terms will provide a more
focused search.
 Step 3
Determine the kind of items you need – scholarly journal
articles, books, newspaper articles, or research studies, and so
on. Do you need the latest available information, statistics,
historical data? What time period do you need to cover, can you
limit the search to the current year? Do you need to make the
search international in scope or local?
 Step 8
Mark or save the records you wish to keep.
Most databases will have a box or folder next to the number for each
record. This is where you can ‘mark’ records you wish to save from
the larger group of items you have retrieved.