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GIST

Geospatial Information Science & Technology

Resources

Useful Websites

Searching Tips & Techniques

Before you start your search, try to compile a list of potential keywords. This is always a good idea, but it is especially useful for conducting searches in a field such as Geography. A good first place to start is to identify standard names for your search.

  • Search by particular tribe, nation, or cultural group name (for example, Arapaho or Shoshone)
  • Combine tribal names with a landmark (e.g., Navajo Canyon De Chelly)
  • Browse the subject in the Library Catalog, OneSearch, eJournals, Databases, and even the Wyoming State Library.
  • If you are looking for a specific location or feature, use the name of that event. For example, you can search for "Native American Church" under subject and change the discipline to "Geography."
  • Putting your search term within quotes (e.g., "Colosseum") may produce more relevant content.

Pro Tip - Once you have found a source that is perfect for your writing assignment, look at that book or article's sources.  The author has completed a lot of research on the subject.  Using the already researched items is a great way to work smarter, not  harder.

Another Tip - Use the filters on your searches.  These will appear on the left side of your screen after your initial search.  You will be able to refine your searches by content type, discipline, publication date, and more.