Resource Guides: MS8: Boston Civil Rights Movements and Leaders: Keyword Searching

Finding Keywords

Another way to find subject headings:

Start with a keyword search, using words/phrases that describe your topic.
Browse the results; choose 2 or 3 that are relevant.
Look at the Subject or Descriptor field and note the terms used (write them down).
Redo your search using those terms.
Your results will be more precise than your initial keyword search.

"It’s an online interactive English dictionary and thesaurus that helps
you find the meanings of words and draw connections to associated words."

A free, online software tool for mind mapping your ideas.

Here are some tips to help you get started with your research:

II. When searching online or in the library catalog, use the following strategies:

" " around first and last names (ex. "Ella Baker", NOT Ella Baker).
Use your keywords-- events, places, people etc... that are connected with an historical figure

Need help with Keywords? Look at "Online tools for finding keywords" located under the Keyword Searching tab on the left.