PHAR 658 & 690

PubMed has a single search box.  Because this database is so large, you may be overwhelmed with results initially.  To focus your results:

1. You should default to the Best Match sort order that works really well, and can change it if needed by selecting Display options
2. Try using the left-hand filters to narrow your results

*If you haven't already done so, consider downloading the LibKey Nomad browser extension to help link to full text.

With LibKey Nomad downloaded, you'll see Access Options under each record that will lead you to full text options.

If you don't have LibKey Nomad downloaded (really, you should download it), then click on the article title to see the Full Text options. There will usually be 2 options - the publisher's link and Ferris FullText.

1. Use the Ferris FullText link to see your full text options.
2. The publisher's link is usually above the Ferris FullText link. The publisher may want you to pay for the article. Unless it's stamped FREE, use the Ferris FullText link. Never pay for an article while a Ferris affiliate!

In PubMed's Advanced Search, use the box for Add terms to the query to build your search. Enter only one concept at a time into this box. Please see the worksheet below for properly creating an Advanced Search:

Step-by-Step Advanced Search Directions:

1. *Enter one concept at a time in the top search box - a concept can consist of multiple words that are relevant to the same topic, such as: heart attack or myocardial infarction (see above-linked worksheet for Building an Effective Search Strategy)
2. Consider changing the drop-down menu by the Add terms to the query box from All Fields to Title or Title/Abstract
3. Once your search terms are entered into the top box, click on ADD or AND, depending on if you've already added terms to the Query box, and keep entering concepts as needed until your entire search is in the lower Query box
4. Once all of your terms are in the lower Query box, click on Search

To get a citation for your article from PubMed, click on the article title and then:

1. Click on Cite on the right-hand side of the record
2. A Cite box comes up. Use the Format option on the Cite box to change the citation style to the needed style. PubMed offers 4 citation style options:
   1. NLM (National Library of Medicine) - this is the default option
   2. AMA (American Medical Association)
   3. MLA (Modern Language Association)
   4. APA (American Psychological Association)
3. Copy the displayed citation and paste it into a document and then be sure to double check that the citation is correct!