Most databases have field searching, often in "advanced search".
Notice how of the fields you can search relate to the information we use to make a citation? That's called "meta-data" This method allows you to target a specific meta-data field , to make your searching more precise.
Typically the field searched include at least
Compare Search 1: Any field: bamboo AND title art OR history
with Search 2: subject bamboo AND subject art OR history
Note the difference in quantity and quality of items found. Varying searching by metadata fields, or using them with information like author names creates a more structured method for you to explore information resources.
Notice how while the field labels may be a bit differente (for example, "anywhere" instead of "any field") the concept of field searching remains the same.
A "known item" search is when you get a recommendation, or find something cited that you want to read. It's "known" because you know the author, title, date. etc.
Example: You read a chapter in this e-book
Ho, B.C. and Li. Q. (2013). Rural Chinese Women's Political Participation. In Z. Hao and S. Chen (Eds), Social Issues in China : Gender, Ethnicity, Labor, and the Environment (pp. 23-44.). Dordrecht, Netherlands, Springer. Retrieved from: http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007%2F978-1-4614-2224-2
1. You decide to follow-up on the in-text citation as written in the article " In Tong's studies (2003) Chinese men fare better....".
2. So you go to the full reference below.
3. You then search for the Articles+ of PowerSearch - very generally - using the title
Results - ~3,200
Luckily, the one you want is the top. Then you read it. This may lead you to more citations and useful resources.
A more efficient search would use advanced search with author = Tong + title= gender gap political china
Google has some field searching capabilities.
Try to search websites containing all of the specified words in the title tag.
by adding allintitle: with words or phrases.
For example: allintitle:"digital nomad"
You can learn more about smart search Google with the Library Guide on Google Tips
