The University Library runs many workshops during the year to support you in your study and research. These workshops cover essential skills such as referencing, searching techniques and using EndNote.

If no workshops are currently scheduled, please see our recordings of previous Library workshops (you will need to log in with your Murdoch email address and password).

For further assistance, Ask our Librarians for help.

Library

Advanced database searching - South St

Three students work at desktop computers while a trainer assists them.

Develop an explicit search strategy using subject specialist databases to enable you to source relevant and reliable scholarly articles.

When you’re studying more complex topics or needing to review literature for a research proposal or thesis, learning advanced search strategy skills will be beneficial. This workshop will teach you how to develop an explicit search strategy using subject specialist databases to enable you to source relevant and reliable high-quality articles and studies. 

You will learn

  • Identifying search words and concepts, their synonyms, and controlled vocabulary 

  • Developing selection criteria for inclusion and exclusion of articles 

  • Creating search strings by using Boolean and search operators 

  • Searching databases: ProQuest and Scopus 

  • Citation mining 

  • Search process documentation 

  • Establishing alerts to keep up to date with new research on your topic 

Who should attend

Anyone with prior knowledge of database searching looking to advance their skills, including but not limited to 

  • Third-year students 

  • Students researching for a thesis, e.g. Honours, Masters, PhD 

  • Staff involved in research  

If you are unable to attend this Workshop, this Library resource will help you to learn about Intermediate Searching: Advanced research skills.

Library

Advanced database searching - South St

Date

19 August, 2025 at 9:30 AM until 19 August, 2025 at 10:45 AM

Register now

Location

Geoffrey Bolton Library, Computer Lab 354.1.015

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For workshops focusing on academic learning, see Support for Academic Learning Workshops.