Psychology

Library Search has an advanced search function that allows you to define more specific search terms in your initial search. It is useful if you are wanting to search for specific terms that may appear in the title of a book, article or other resource you are looking for, or for specific resource types like systematic reviews, literature reviews, scoping reviews, meta-analyses, dictionary or primary sources, to name a few.

Access Advanced Search underneath the Library Search search bar on the homepage

Say, for example, you are specifically looking for a scoping review on the effect of social media on mental health.

• In the first search field, include the first concept or subject from your search query (e.g. "social media") and select "Subject" from the field selector drop down menu.
• In the second search field, include the second concept or subject from your search query (e.g. "mental health") and select "Subject" from the field selector drop down menu.
• Select the "+ ADD A NEW LINE" button to add as many new lines as necessary.
• If you need to include a third concept or subject from your search query, do so as necessary.
• On the next line, ensure the field selector drop down menu is set to "Title" and enter the specific resource type or term for your search. In this case we will type "scoping review".
• Adjust any of the search filters on the right hand side as necessary, e.g. if you want to narrow your search by date or language.
• Press SEARCH.

On the Library Search results page, you can see that the number of results is relatively small as the articles it has located relate specifically to the advanced search terms entered.