TWU Libraries

About Central Search

Central Search is a search engine that allows simultaneous searching of multiple TWU Library databases and the TWU Library Catalog. You can use the Advanced Central Search to search groups of databases arranged by general subjects. See below for some tips on how to use Central Search.

• Guide: How to Search in Central Search [pdf]
• Begin Search... [requires TWU portal access]

Some Basics

• Not all TWU Library databases are in Central Search.
• Use Central Search to help you determine which database to use for further research
• Limiting your search to 4 or 5 databases at a time or one subject area is a better and quicker option than searching all databases at once.

Search Tips

• Use quotes to search a phrase. Central Search automatically adds an "and" between words if you do not use quotes.
• When doing an author search, start with the author's last name first. But--- try it both ways.
• Remember, this is new technology and does not work like research databases and library catalogs. You must try different approaches to searching.
• When doing in-depth research, you will get better results if you link to the database itself and search it using its own interface. This allows use of thesauri and limiting options.

Search By Subject

• Select a Subject in Central Search
• Search one or more categories under that subject to search
• Categories include key databases, other useful databases, newspaper databases, and theses and dissertations databases.

Some Reminders

• The technology behind Central Search will not work with all databases.
• Central Search uses a front-end searching technique that skims the surface of records. You cannot do an in-depth search like you can in a specific database.