Check your spelling. Sometimes a search fails to return results when there is a spelling error in the search terms.
Keep search terms simple. Having very precise search terms reduces the number of results returned. Keep your first search simple; add additional search terms to limit results as needed. It will also prove helpful to brainstorm a list of potential synonyms. Not all scholars use the same jargon; lists of synonyms can help you perform more thorough searches.
Look for advanced search menus. Many of the databases have advanced search menus that will help you streamline your search. Theses advanced search menus will give you ideas for searches in other databases.
Find one good record. Find one good record and examine the terms used to describe it. Use those terms in additional searches.
Use appropriate search terms. You can search by title, theme and author name. Remember the author name can be searched as a name and as a subject.
Combine your search terms. Use AND or OR to combine terms. Example: When searching for Oscar Wilde's the Importance of Being Earnest search for "Wilde AND Earnest".
Limit search results. Use NOT to exclude items that you do not want. Example: If you do not want any records on Oscar Wilde's Poems search terms could be "Wilde NOT poem."
Use the truncation tool. Using word stems and an * will ensure that your search results include simple variations of your keywords. Example: a search for "farce*" will return results for both "farce" and "farces."