Search Tips:
1. Think like a thesaurus! Try "child rearing" instead of "child raising."
2. When searching databases, use quotes for phrases (like above) and Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT, NEAR, FOLLOWED BY and ADJ) to narrow a search. Example: "Attention Deficit Disorder" AND adults NOT children. AND may also be a + sign, NOT a - sign. Near means the words are found within a few words apart in the sentence. FOLLOWED BY and ADJ set the order, as in: Parental FOLLOWED BY responsibility.
3. If you are unable to find a category in a search, try using one word-the more words, the more limited the search.
4. When using NC LIVE, you can click on Full Text and or peer review to limit your search to pertinent articles. You can also limit the search to particular years, as some curriculums such as nursing require.
5. Internet Search Engines: When using Internet sources, be aware that material may be invalid or outdated. If the site ends with ".edu" it originates at an educational institution. If it is ".org" it is a non-profit organization site (but do not use Wikipedia as it is not accepted by faculty as a viable site); .mil means U.S. Military; ".gov" represents a U.S. Government site; and ".com" & ".net" are business or commercial sites. Personal Web pages, found on Internet provider sites, should be viewed with caution and carefully evaluated for bias and authenticity.
6. If you need a book from another library, see Inter-Library Loan policies.
7. On-line tutorials are available through the library homepage, NC LIVE, and SIRS.
8. If you have questions, you may e-mail the Coordinator of Library Services.
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