Veterinary Parasitology

Scientists use very specific terms to describe science topics, because science is detailed, analytical, and also very specific.

BIOLOGY:  genus/species

CHEMISTRY: formulas, structures, registry numbers, chemical names

GEOLOGY/GEOGRAPHY: Names rock formation, latitude and longitude, crystal structures

MEDICINE: Disease names, specifically named body parts and functions, drug names, bacterial and viral identifications

We don't often think about indexing, but it can be helpful to understand how indexing works in order to search effectively.

• Indexing is made up of FIELDS and these FIELDS include 
• SUBJECT, TITLE, AUTHOR, KEYWORDS, JOURNAL NAME, ISBN, ISSN  (and many more).
• All databases have defaults that limit the FIELDS that are searched. You can override the defaults and select your own FIELDS.

And algorithm is used to tell the computer HOW the keywords should be searched.  The algorithm can be simple or complex.  It is also often proprietary, and a closely held secret.

The basic elements of an algorithm are Boolean Operators.  Those are : AND  OR  NOT

• AND narrows a search by telling the database that ALL keywords used must be found in an article in order for it to appear in your results list. Search for two or more concepts that interest you by combining descriptive keywords with AND. 
• OR broadens a search by telling the database that any of the words it connects are acceptable. This is particularly helpful when you are searching for synonyms, such as “death penalty” OR “capital punishment.” 
• NOT narrows your search by telling the database to eliminate all terms that follow it from your search results.