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Unit 4: Search Methods
Lesson 9: Spelling, Abbreviations, and Acronyms
Spelling Counts
Unlike Google, library catalogs and some subscription databases do not automatically correct your spelling. A misspelled search term may incorrectly indicate that no resources on your topic exist. Double-check your spelling if your search yields no results.
Abbreviations & Acronyms
If your search term is an abbreviation or acronym, and your search yields no results, try spelling out your search term, and vice versa. For example, if the search term GPA yields no results, try Grade Point Average instead.
Other examples:
- EMT = Emergency Medical Technician
- NFPA = National Fire Protection Association
- NCLEX-RN = National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
Search Tip:
For comprehensive search results, search for both versions of the keyword
You have completed Unit 4. Continue to Unit 5 to learn about search tools and the online catalog.