SEARCH TIPS
Select a Field allows you to narrow your search so that your results will be more precise. For example, by selecting AB Abstract, you make sure your search terms appear in the abstract of the article, not just anywhere in the article. This way, you know that your topic is a major part of the article and not just a casual mention.
These are the available fields you can select:
In the Search Options area, you can specify whether
- all your search terms have to be in the article
- only some of your search terms have to be in the article
- to search for terms that are synonymous: apply related words
Particularly useful is the Limit Your Results section. Here you can
- choose to view just full-text articles
- select specific publication types, such as book reviews or working papers
- focus on a geographic region
- limit the search to a particular date range.
- Just like in Google, put phrases in quotations marks, e.g. "monetary union" to get more targeted results.
- Alternate spelling, e.g. privatization vs. privatisation: use a ?. Example: privati?ation will retrieve both versions.
- Punctuation, such as apostrophes, hyphens, etc.: The search engine will search both with and without the punctuation, e.g. Euro-Zone will also search for Euro Zone, and also Eurozone if you've selected to include synonymns.
Using the Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) Classification System:
Look for Indexes in the blue toolbar. This will take you to the JEL subject index which is very helpful for making your search more precise and finding articles about the specific topic you're researching. Six types of materials are indexed with the JEL classification: journal articles, books, collective volume articles, dissertations, working papers, and full text book reviews from the Journal of Economic Literature.
When available, PDFs are provided. If not, click on Check 360 Link for Full Text. This will take you to whichever database carries the article. If only an abstract is available, request the article via inter-library loan. The system will prompt you for it. If not, of if you need help with this, see the inter-library loan guide.