Subject Searching
What is subject searching... a sample record

Subject Searching in the Cat

Subject Searching in Proquest

Using additional subject headings to refine your search

Subject Searching A Sample Record

What it is...
Subject searches are limited to the subject field of the record.

Why it's useful...
  • Readings accurately describe your topic
  • "Clusters" records by using common terms

Disadvantages

  • Headings are often too broad
  • Headings vary from one database to another

Subject Searching in the Cat

This record was retrieved because the heading, "social responsibility of business" is in the subject field.

Notice that these headings in the Cat are different from ones used in Proquest.

Subject Searching in Proquest Direct

A subject search on "social responsibility" AND "business ethics" retrieved this record because both phrases are in the subject field.

Notice that these headings in Proquest are different from ones used in the Cat.

Using additional subject headings to expand your search

Always pay attention to additional subject headings you might use to expand or refine your search.

© 2002-2008 University Libraries, The Pennsylvania State University

About This tutorial
Please direct questions to Library Learning Services
Last updated 05/14/07