| University Libraries
Most library catalogs default keyword searching: that is, the database looks for any resources that simply include the search terms you've used, no matter the context. While this is a useful starting point, subject terms are more precise and define what a resource is about.
Most databases and catalogs have advanced options to include subject term searches. Try looking at the record of a book or resource you've already found and see what subject headings are used! You can also start with some of the suggestions below and use them alone or in combination with each other or other keywords.
Topics |
Example subject terms |
|---|---|
| Indian Ocean world |
Indian Ocean Region Malabar coast (India) Arabian peninsula" Africa, East South Asia |
| Trade, commerce, exchange |
Nederlandsche Oost-Indische Compagnie (use for Dutch East India Company) East India Company Merchant marine Merchant ships Trading companies Slavery--Southeast Asia Economic aspects Commerce |
| Materials & goods |
Textiles or Textile fabrics Clothing and dress or Clothing trade Metalworks or gold Spices or Spice trade Furniture, Colonial Ivory industry Material culture Islamic decorative arts |
| Primary Sources |
Letters or diaries or correspondences travelogues Early works to 1800 (useful to find sources written before 1800) Voyages and travels |