Skip to main content
It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.
Main navigation
RESEARCH
INSTRUCTION
SPACE RESERVATIONS
TECHNOLOGIES
UL BUILDING
BORROWING
ABOUT
HELP
3 - Subject Headings
Differences Between Subject and Keyword Searches
Keyword Searching Subject Heading Searching
Good for obscure or contemporary topics
Good for general and universal topics
Use common or informal language
Use formal, academic, or discipline-specific language
Can generate many irrelevant results
Lists highly relevant results for each topic
Can use any term to describe topic to find relevant information
Need to know specific subject heading or vocabulary to search in subject heading list
Will search for keyword in any field
Will only search in subject heading or descriptor field
