Database Search Techniques
Boolean operators
Boolean operators are simple words (AND, OR, NOT or AND NOT) used to combine or exclude keywords in a search, resulting in more focused and productive results.
Example: Do you have a cat/dog?
Truncation
allows you to search for terms that could have more than one ending.
school* = school OR schools
Wildcard
allows you to substitute 0 or more letters in a word.
colo*r = colour OR color
Quotation Marks
in many databases allows you to search for words together as a phrase
"residential schools"
A full guide on truncation and wildcard use within library databases is available here.
Reading Aids
Citing Japanese Sources
- How to Cite Asian Language SourcesIncludes guidelines for citing Japanese resources using popular English-language styles, as well as suggestions for Japanese-language only citations (4.4) Check with your instructor to ensure that these guidelines match their expectations.
Books on Japanese Academic Writing and Presentation
Evaluating Information Sources
How do we evaluate Japanese resources?
Gakushūin University Library has a one-pager describing trustworthy Japanese resources.
The process of evaluating each resource you use for research is universal, whether you are using English or Japanese resources. The following tools will further help you refine your skills for evaluation.
- Library Guide on Evaluating Information SourcesThis resource will provide guiding questions to help you to analyze the authority, accuracy and scope of your information materials to assess how appropriate they will be for your research. Keep in mind that many publications have a particular bias or agenda, which may not be obvious at first glance.