This database begins in a "Basic Search" mode to let you search by keyword. Below the search box you will see a phrase saying "Search for words in" followed by three options: "Subject," "Keyword," and "Entire Document."

Other limits in this panel include "documents with images," "content level" (basic, intermediate, or advanced) or "content type" (Academic Journals, Magazines, Multimedia, News, Primary Sources, Reference, Statistics, Viewpoints, Websites).

An "Advanced Search" option also exists at the top of the database page. Clicking it produces a new search page with more options yet. In addition to the search options mentioned above, you can search multiple fields (e.g. Document Title, Author, Subject) simultaneously.

Search results are grouped below different tabs near the top of the page: Viewpoints, Reference, Magazines, Academic Journals, News, Primary Sources, Statistics, Multimedia, and Websites.

You can alter the order of search results by clicking the "Sort By" menu to switch from Publication Date (the default setting) to Relevance (which attempts to calculate, based on word proximity and frequency in matching documents, and display the most relevant matches), or Content Level.

To the left of search results you will find subtopic groups which can be clicked to view fewer search results that are potentially more relevant to your interests.

If you receive a large number of search results, you can click the "Refine Results" link and specify further limits.