Can't find what you are looking for?
No library has everything. If you come across a resource outside of BU Libraries' collections, we can still obtain it for you for free. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services are available to current BU faculty, staff, and students to request books, articles, and other items not available at BU Libraries. Sign in with your BUID to request materials from partnering libraries.
Keyword searching in library databases
Library Databases like BU Libraries Search work best when you search them with keywords. A keyword is a core concept or main idea of your research topic. For example:
Research topic: The impact of protest in higher education institutions and on American public policy.
Keywords:
- protest
- higher education
- United States of America
- public policy
You will also want to think about synonyms and related concepts to your keywords. For example:
Related keywords:
- demonstration, strike, movement
- university, college, students
- USA, American, North American
- law, government, state policy, public order
After you come up with your keywords, try them out in BU Libraries Search in different combinations.
Take a look at these sample searches for inspiration:
