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HIST 331: Imperial Russia (Arnold)

"When Keywords Don't Work: Using Subject Headings to Find Relevant Articles." YouTube, uploaded by UNC Libraries,
7 Jun. 2024, youtu.be/CmVgDYbPleM?si=t_CrDR2CjhwBjQwM. Accessed 3 Sep. 2024.

Subject headings are a standardized vocabulary used to describe source content. Sometimes referred to as a controlled vocabulary, these official terms and phrases allow you to conduct database searches that are especially precise. Using subject headings leads to more relevant results and saves time. Working with subject headings also fosters critical thinking skills. As you engage with these categorizations, you will learn to analyze how certain concepts are related and organized. This analytical approach is particularly beneficial in communication studies, where understanding the relationships between ideas is crucial. Additionally, subject headings often include cross-references that can guide you to other related topics that may spur your interest and take your research in a completely new direction. Finally, subject headings are particularly helpful in overcoming language barriers, such as issues with synonyms, variant spellings, or discipline-specific jargon that might make your keyword searches less effective.