# 3. Search methods

It is not very effective to enter random search terms in any database.
To find specific information on your subject, you will have to combine your search terms into a “search string”.

There are several techniques to do this:

- Phrase searching (searching for exact word combinations)
- Boolean operators
- Proximity operators
- Truncation and masking
- Limiting your search

All techniques will be discussed in the next chapters.

Note: The full benefits of these search methods will be most clear when using databases containing books and articles, like Business Premium Collection and Business Source Premier, but they also work in Google (Scholar). Databases like MarketLine, EMIS, Stylus, Trendwatching and most statistical databases will require other search/browse methods.