Tarleton State University Libraries Unit 4 REFINING SEARCHES IN PRINT TOOLS   Print Search Tools usually offer specific elements to help researchers use them: •  table of contents •  indexes (author, subject, and/or title) •  introductory material telling how to use the tool •  alphabetical subject listings with cross-references Using these elements in conjunction with the following tips will enhance your ability to use print search tools effectively. Ways to increase efficiency when using periodical indexes & abstracts: •  Consult a thesaurus or subject heading list to determine possible search terms. •  Note the "see also" references listed under headings. •  Look for alternative search terms by browsing the listings. •  Look in more than one volume because subjects may not appear in all volumes, which are usually collections of citations by year.       Identifying Search Terms Refining Searches in Online Tools    Library Orientation Site Index Updated 7/2004