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Cape Breton Language Centre & the CBU Library

Finding Articles (Databases)

Cape Breton University Library has many databases you can search and explore as you seek articles for your assignments. Some databases are multidisciplinary (covering many subject areas) while others are specific to particular subjects. Examples of each are listed below. 

Databases A-Z
Link to complete list of CBU's electronic resources including databases.

Turning your research topic into a search strategy

 

  1. Create a Research Statement
    This can be in the form of a question or a sentence.  Think about what you want to search and write it down in one sentence.
  2. Identify the Keywords
    Look at your research statement. What are the main words or concepts?  They will likely be nouns and can include phrases.  Highlight them.
  3. Think of Synonyms
    Look at the words/phrases you highlighted and think of synonyms or other phrases to describe those concepts. Scholarly articles often use words we don't use in ordinary life. Consult a dictionary or a thesaurus for this purpose.  Look for terms in reference resources, textbooks, etc.
  4. Search the Databases 
    Pick two or three words/phrases from your list. Put each concept in it own search box.