Links to three suggested databases for the capstone project follow. This page also contains videos and search tips to help you use the databases effectively. If you need assistance developing your search strategy, review this helpful handout or don't hesitate contact your librarian.
Bryan Fusion is a single simple entry point for searching the Bryan Library's resources, including all article databases, ebooks and the Library's book catalog. Bryan Fusion is an EBSCO product, so all EBSCO features are available (limits, individual login, full-text article options).
PubMed is provided by the National Library of Medicine covering the fields of Nursing, Anesthesia, Medicine and Health Professions. Click on the "Get it @ Bryan" button for access to full text (if available) or the article request form.
Academic Search Elite is an academic database that includes many full text articles. It can be used to search for topics including the humanities, social sciences, education, computer science, political science, general science, health science, gender studies, psychology and psychiatry, ethnic and multicultural studies.
Tip 1: Consider all possible terms
Spell out abbreviations and consider alternate spellings, common names, etc. For example, you might search for venous thrombosis / DVT / deep vein thrombosis, or pathology / pathogenesis.
Combine the search terms and synonyms for each concept with OR. Then connect each individual concept with AND. For example: (venous thrombosis OR DVT OR deep vein thrombosis) AND (pathology OR pathogenesis)
It's a good idea to search in a few databases, because each database will have slightly different journal coverage. For example, the journal Sonography is not indexed (searchable) in PubMed, but it can be found in Web of Science. You'll find the most information if you search in a few places!
The following short video gives an overview of the best way to search in most databases:
Run time: 1:28
Closed captions available
Used with permission from the Ronald Williams Library at Northeastern Illinois University.
This video provides a general overview of how to search Fusion. If you need suggestions on how to search for articles specifically for your capstone project, feel free to contact your librarian.
Run time: 4:45 | Last updated: April 2025
Closed captions available
Searching in PubMed is slightly different from searching in other databases, because you do not need to use Boolean operators. Instead, you can simply type your terms into the search box, and PubMed will map synonyms and related terms for you. To learn how a PubMed subject search works, watch the following video from the National Library of Medicine.
Run time: 3:58
Closed captions available