Tag: search strategy
Database search: how to use search terms?
Each database has its own method to make the contents of that database accessible and consultable. Most databases use "Basic search" and "Advanced search".
Via "Basic search" you can filter the search results after performing a search.
"Advanced search" allows you to choose more specific search …
Read moreE-books
Ghent University has access to many e-books. You can find and read all of them in our catalogue if you follow these steps.
Access UGentNet
Simply log in with your Ghent University account at lib.ugent.be to access Ghent University-only collections from home or on the go. This means you …
Read moreEmbase: comparison with PubMed and tips & tricks for searching
Embase is regarded as the European equivalent of PubMed/MEDLINE. When using the Embase search engine, you automatically browse not only the Embase database but also articles in PubMed/MEDLINE that have already been assigned MeSH terms.
AccessEmbase is only accessible via the UGent network.
Search operatorsEmbase can be …
Read moreGISMO: Research Explorer
GISMO is the Ghent University research information system. This system supports two aims: (1) database of all research related information (researchers with their career details and expertise, projects, publications and other types of output, research activities, equipment etc.) and (2) support/streamlining research related workflows (application and management of research proposals, …
Read moreGoogle: search tips
Google is a powerful search engine. But the results list can be endlessly long and at page 3 you still haven't found what you were looking for. These tips and tricks will help you specify a better search question.
- Use unique, specific terms (keywords, not sentences). E.g. search for "headache" …
Library: Renewal of Online Library Services
As of September 16, 2025, the online library services will be operated via a modernized infrastructure. This update is part of a large-scale overhaul of systems aimed at keeping pace with the evolving needs of researchers and students.
ILL services temporarily unavailable
In the coming weeks, we will work …
Read moreProQuest: introduction
ProQuest is a portal of scientific databases. Ghent University has access to 19 databases:
- Acta Sanctorum
- APA PsycArticles
- Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals
- C19: The Nineteenth Century Index
- Coronavirus Research Database
- Early Modern Books
- Ebook Central
- Gerritsen Women's History Collection of Aletta H. Jacobs
- International Bibliography of Art (IBA)
- MEDLINE …
Recources: using Lean Library for e-sources
Lean Library is a tool that provides quick and easy access to online information sources and is a user-friendly alternative to VPN or Athena. With the Lean Library browser extension, you have our e-resources at your fingertips, on any website and from any location.
How does it work?You install …
Read moreResources: helpful tools to find literature
These tools will help you find literature on the topic of your choice.
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lib.ugent.be
You can find over 4.000.000 references for books, serials, images, theses, and databases in the library catalogue of Ghent University. Many of these can be consulted online, from the comfort of your home.
If you can't …
Resources: search and find information
Do you need to write a text or do you need to find information and you are looking for the right resources? Follow the step-by-step plan below.
Step 1: define your subject- Narrow down your subject based on the literature you find.
- Explore the subject. You can read a paper …
Scholarly article: where to find it?
Search the library catalogue
Via lib.ugent.be, you can search directly through millions of scientific articles.
The online library catalogue searches in “Everything” by default, which is indicated left of the search bar.
'Everything' means that you're searching, besides the physical collection, the e-resources (articles, e-books, chapters, etc.) from various …
Read moreSearch: Boolean operators
The 3 most important Boolean operators that can be used to search on the internet are AND, OR and NOT.
These operators are used as conjunctions to combine or exclude search terms in a search, resulting in more focused and productive results. The use of these operators can significantly …
Read moreSearching scientific literature: an example from psychology by prof. dr. Brosschot
Almost every scientific study starts with an extensive literature search. You look for the articles written on your subject of interest and you'll gradually discover unanswered questions or new lines of thoughts worth exploring.
When you start writing your own article, you'll usually include a literature review summarising the …
Read moreSearching: what is a citation search?
A citation search can go forward or backward in time. If you go forward in time, you look for the sources that cited your original article. If you go back in time, you look for the sources cited by your original article (also called "snowball search").
Benefits … Read more
Searching: what is the snowball search method?
The snowball search method is a way of tracking down related works by using the bibliography or reference list at the end of an article as your starting point. After all, there's a good chance that the sources the author has consulted while writing will be relevant to your own …
Read moreSources: primary, secundary and tertiary sources
What are primary sources?
Primary sources are sources written (or made) by an original author. In exact sciences, these are lab logs, articles in which you present your research, the data you gathered during your research, etc. In social sciences these could be novels, paintings, archaeological objects, and so on. …
Read moreSystematic review: tips, tricks and tools
How do I formulate my research question and selection criteria?
Formulate a research question in which, if possible, all aspects of your topic are named. The PICO model is a tool for setting up a clinical research question, clearly describing the patient category (Population/Patient), …
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