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Research Guides

INI196: Environmental Writing

Interdisciplinary Databases - Use Filters! (with videos)

ProQuest Search Tips

ProQuest  

ProQuest is a platform containing over 100 databases. ProQuest contains publications (i.e., newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals, eBook titles, dissertation and theses) in different subjects areas including film. Remember you might find content in a non-film related resource from your time period, (i.e., newspapers, business or tech magazines).

 

1) Use the Advanced Search Tool  

The Advanced Search Tool allows you to build your search with multiple keywords that you can combine with Boolean Operators (AND, OR, NOT) from the dropdown menu between the search fields. 

Screen Shot ProQuest Advance Search with search terms "urban footprint" AND Toronto OR Ontario

 

2) Sort your Results 

  • Sort your results (Relevance, Date) 
    • Sort by Date: It may be useful to arrange the results chronologically (oldest first) in order to follow the entire production process of a particular film, from gossip about potential stars to reviews and box-office grosses.

 

3) Using ProQuest Search Filters

  • Narrow your search results using filters on left sidebar. Click on +More link if appears to see all the filter options. 
    • Peer Review: Click the checkbox if you are seeking journals with peer review editing process (papers are send to experts to assess and provide feedback to the author). Learn more about Peer Review Journals.  
    • Source TypeScholarly Journals, Newspapers, Trade Magazines, Books, or Blogs, Podcasts, & Websites‎
    • Publication Year: Last 12 Months, Last 5 Years or click on Custom Date Range
    • Subject: Look for subject headings tied to the discipline or topic you are interested.You can order the results alphabetically by clicking on Subject at the top of the pop-up window. 
    • Document Type: Feature, Front Page/Cover Story, Article, Literature Review (avoid Review and Editorial)
    • Publication TitleUrban Ecosystems‎, Conservation BiologyThe Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, The National Post

 

4) Mark relevant records

If you find interesting articles, be sure to . 

  • Go to the results page and click the check box to the left of the article title  
  • When you are ready to email the articles to yourself, scroll to the top of the results list and click on Email link (on right side)
  • Email the marked records to yourself 

 

Another option is to create a free ProQuest MyResearch account.
  • Click on the person icon in the upper right corner of the screen to access MyResearch.
  • Create a free account with your UToronto email. 

 

Screen shot  ProQuest Results for  conservation AND ecolog* AND cities AND canada. Select items using check box and view all selected item with the folder icon in upper right corner.