Searching: Subject headings
Learn some useful search techniques, improve your search results and confidently undertake research using the Library Search or databases.
In certain databases you can search the subjects associated with the documents instead of searching for keywords in the titles and abstracts. This feature requires new search habits explained below.
Searching databases with subject headings
In contrast to keywords, subject headings are based on a controlled vocabulary from the subject area.
If a database offers the option, the results will be more accurate than using keywords. It may also change the way you search.
You commonly see a subject headings search option on health databases (e.g. CINAHL) which use the National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings (MeSH).
In CINAHL, the option is called "Suggest Subject Terms".
Contact us via chat or book a tutorial if you need help searching subject headings.