Spend a few minutes thinking about alternate keywords you could use to search for your topic. The easiest alternatives to come up with are synonyms of the original keywords you picked. Think about what kind of information you want to get. It's good to get general background information first to better understand your subject. Once you have a good understanding, you will have a better idea of what keywords you could use for efficient searching and you can than get more specific information about your topic.
Some online indexes cover a wide variety of topics while others focus on specific topics.
When your are beginning your research, you may want to choose a general database or printed reference works to find background information on your topic. You may also want to consult our online Research Resource Guides for comprehensive lists of online and printed reference sources. In the library, stop by the Reference Desk and ask a knowledgeable Librarian for guidance. Choose an Online Index or Database Indexes list the specific literature available on your topic, but not all online indexes or databases are the same. You should pick the database most appropriate for your topic.