You also can borrow materials from other libraries through a service called Interlibrary Loan. When you search for sources in the Library's catalog or databases, items that are not directly available to Doane users will have a "Request Item through Interlibrary Loan" button within in the item's record. Use the form at that button to request these items at no cost -- except for the time it takes for them to arrive! See Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery for our policies.
In addition, you might give Google Scholar a try. This search engine seeks out journal article citations and full text articles on the free web. As with the paid subscription databases listed above, you won't find everything on your topic here either.
If you need to find current news on a topic in economics, try these:
You need to use keywords when searching for materials in library databases. Typing a whole question into a database search box will not yield as many useful results. As you search, keep track of different terms authors use when talking about your topic. Adding these to your search strategy will likely help you find more useful sources.
Most databases use what is called Boolean logic. This is a way to combine your keywords to make your searches more efficient. Boolean operators include AND (narrows your search), OR (broadens your search), and NOT (excludes terms to narrow further).
This short video gives an overview of the best way to search in a database:
Video Length: 1:28
Used with permission from the Ronald Williams Library at Northeastern Illinois University.
The Search Strategy Builder is a tool designed to teach you how to create a search string using Boolean logic. While it is not a database and is not designed to input a search, you should be able to cut and paste the results into most databases' search boxes.
The Search Strategy Builder was developed by the University of Arizona Libraries and is used under a Creative Commons License.