Every database has different searching rules. Learn and apply them for the best results. Look at the HELP screen for the individual database to learn rules. At a minimum look for connectors, wildcard or truncation symbols, how to enter phrases.
Don’t give up after one or two searches in a database; try slight variations of your search to try to hit upon one that works and to gradually piece together the rules that apply.
When searching a database, look at the advanced search or expert search templates; often they are easier to use than the basic search template.
Use controlled vocabulary (subject headings) as well as keyword or free text searching.
Use field searching where relevant.
Adjust your search based on whether you are searching a full text or non-full-text (citations, abstracts) database. (e.g., use more specific terms in a full-text database; use more general terms in a non-full text database).
Be creative when thinking up search terms. Try using alternative terms, broader terms, more specific terms, opposite terms, category terms. Think backward: what terms might appear in the kind of document or material you are looking for?
Try British spelling (e.g. labour, organisation , honour, centre, judgement, defence, licence). See: Differences in British and American Spelling
