Tips for Searching Catalogs and Databases
The following techniques can improve your success with online searching, whether you're searching a catalog for books or a database for articles:
- Enter phrases in quotes: "body image" "aerobic exercise" "health coaching"
- Use truncation symbols to search for alternate word endings: In most databases, entering athlet* searches for athletic, athletics, athlete, and atheletes.
- If one term doesn't work, try a few others. Experiment with different vocabulary related to your topic. Brainstorm ideas for relevant keywords and use background sources such as encyclopedias for suggestions.
Select a Working Population
Use these resources to explore working populations (i.e. "construction workers", "retail workers", "truck drivers, etc.) and the occupational health issues they encounter.
- Workplace Safety & Health Topics from The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)Check out "Industries & Occupations" or "Diseases & Injuries" for ideas.
- Occupational Safety & Health AdministrationFact Sheets, InfoSheets and Hazard Alerts
Grey Research/ Grey Literature
Types of Grey Literature
Where to find it?
Professional Organization Websites (Does your working group have a professional organization? A union? Do they have anything to say about work-related injuries? A policy paper, newsletter article, fact sheet, training manual, etc. can be considered grey literature.)
Government Websites (Almost everything from the government is grey literature! Think about resources from the CDC/NIOSH, DOL, laws, data from the Census, etc.)
It's always a good idea to run your grey literature resource by your professor.
- UIC Grey Literature GuideFrom our Nursing Research Guide, this page provides an overview of grey literature and where to find it.
- Lister Hill Library Grey Literature GuideMore information, including videos, about grey literature from the Lister Hill Library.
