Search Tools
OTHER TOOLS FOR SEARCHING:
- Use quotation marks to search for phrases - "endangered birds" will bring back results that have that phrase.
- Use an asterisk to get all words with a single root within results - type creat* and results will include create, creating, creators, creation, creatures, etc.
| Interlibrary Loan - TexShare |
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Interlibrary Loan (ILL)ILL is a free library lending service available to current TxState students and employees. ILL borrows items from other libraries that the Alkek Library does not own. Use ILLIAD, the online interlibrary loan request system, to order your ILL items. Typical turnaround for a book is 1-2 weeks and must be picked up at and returned to the library. Articles are sent to requestors via email.
Contact & Pick-up Info: 512.408.3996 or email. Items can be picked up at the Ask Alkek Desk on the 2nd floor of the Library.
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TexShareA TexShare card is free for all current Texas State students and employees and provides borrowing privileges at participating libraries.
Combine Keywords
Research Databases do not work like Google.
You can't just type in your question.
BUT...you can combine keywords into a "question" that the database will understand. Using AND, OR, NOT between search terms will make your search more precise.
- AND between two keywords will bring back less results - only those that have both keywords.
- OR between two keywords will bring back more results - all those articles that have either keywords.
- NOT between two keywords will bring back less results - articles with the first keyword, but not the second keyword.
Search String Example
Now...how do you use AND, OR, and NOT while searching?
- Click on "Advanced Search" under the Start Your Research search bar on the main library webpage.
- Put in your keywords like this:
- Not getting enough results? Remove one of your search terms. Or watch the video below for more help.