Biblical Interpretation: Search Tips for Online/Databases
This LibGuide is for undergraduate students in ministry disciplines. This guide is designed to help you understand the basic resources for Bible research available through the SRC and from reputable online sources.
Tips for Searching in the Catalog
In the Online Catalog, conduct a basic SUBJECT (use the drop down menu to the right of the dialog box and choose subject) search by entering your search in one of the following formats:
- BIBLE. O.T. group of books
BIBLE. N.T. group of books
Examples of SUBJECT searches for books ABOUT the Bible:
- BIBLE. O.T. APOCRYPHA
Also use the subject heading: APOCRYPHAL BOOKS
- BIBLE. O.T. HISTORICAL BOOKS
- BIBLE. O.T. MINOR PROPHETS
- BIBLE. O.T. PENTATEUCH
- BIBLE. O.T. POETICAL BOOKS
- BIBLE. O.T. PROPHETS
- BIBLE. N.T. EPISTLES
- BIBLE. N.T. EPISTLES OF JOHN
- BIBLE. N.T. EPISTLES OF PAUL
- BIBLE. N.T. GOSPELS
In the Online Catalog, conduct a basic SUBJECT search by entering your search in one of the following formats:
- BIBLE. O.T. book
- BIBLE. N.T. book
Examples of SUBJECT searches for books ABOUT the Bible:
- BIBLE. O.T. APOCRYPHA. MACCABEES, 1ST
- BIBLE. O.T. GENESIS
- BIBLE. O.T. KINGS, 1ST
- BIBLE. O.T. KINGS, 2ND
- BIBLE. N.T. MATTHEW
- BIBLE. N.T. CORINTHIANS, 1ST
- BIBLE. N.T. CORINTHIANS, 2ND
Tips for Searching in Databases
Use Boolean Search techniques:
- Skip the words “a” “of” and “the”
- Single key word, e.g. Transfiguration
- Phrase search – when two or more terms are always used together, put them in quotes e.g. “New Testament”
- Very broad term = a single term, e.g. Scriptures
- Broader yet = add the term OR between synonyms, e.g., Scriptures OR Bible
- More refined = add the term AND between terms to focus your topic, e.g. Gospel AND Luke AND Emmaus
- More refined = use NOT, e.g., Mary NOT Magdalene
Good Keywords include:
- Bible
- Bible people
- Bible, study editions
- Bible resources, children
- Bible, study and teaching
- Bible survey, adult
- Bible Topics, adult
- Biblical archaeology
- Biblical women
- Biography
- Books of the Bible (see specific book)
Limit searches to full text articles.