What are some alternative strategies I can use in my online subject searches?

The following are commonly used search strategies that could be applied to nearly every electronic database that uses "controlled vocabulary," including the Foundation Centers'. Many databases and indexes assign controlled words, subject headings or descriptors to database records. This is done to improve access to information. For example, the phrase "Nonprofit organizations establishment and termination" would be used as a subject heading/descriptor for all items about starting a nonprofit organization. Using the descriptor will retrieve references to articles or records on the topic, even if the phrase "Nonprofit organizations establishment and termination" never appeared in the title or anywhere in the records themselves. There are a number of Foundation Center resources that use "controlled vocabulary" including The Foundation Directory Online and the Catalog of Nonprofit Literature.

For alternative strategies, we would suggest three options: 1) Although you want to search at the appropriate level of specificity, sometimes it helps to perform a more general search. Sometimes it is best to use broader search terms, since they encompass the more specific elements you are trying to find (e.g. a funder that states an interest in education might still provide funds for a documentary film on the educational system, even though they may not specifically state an interest in funding film projects). 2) You could also try a search using your own terminology in the keyword/text search field (then look at the "official" descriptors used in records retrieved that seem to be on target, and use them in your next search). 3) See if terms you've used successfully in the past (in other databases) will work in the database you are currently using.

Can't find the answer you're looking for in our FAQs? Ask our Online Librarian.