I'm not getting enough search results. What should I do?

When You Do Not Have Enough Search Results...

  • Try a database on your topic - Search in a database that specializes in a certain subject. For subject-specific database suggestions, try our A-Z Databases list and filter by subject or check one of our Subject Guides to see those that are recommended;
  • Broaden your topic - You may need to think more broadly about your topic. For example, if you are researching the impact of hybrid cars and CO2 emissions, you might broaden your search to hybrid cars and air pollution;
  • Change your keywords - Replace your keywords with similar or related terms. Discover new keywords by reading background information on your topic in scholarly subject encyclopedias (see the FAQ on background information below);
  • Use fewer keywords - Each time you add another search term, you retrieve fewer results;
  • Use fewer limiters - Use limiters sparingly. Focus on the resource type, books, scholarly articles, news, and the date range for best results.

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