are exploring possible topics and want an idea of what's available
aren't sure which databases would be good for your topic
only want a few articles and don't need more sophisticated options found in individual databases
are curious about whether a broader search in more than your favorite databases turns up anything unexpected and interesting
are looking for full-text of an article and already have a DOI (digital object identifier) or citation; in these cases search for the DOI or for a distinctive phrase from the article title along with the author's last name if needed
