TIP #1 -- Keep a research notebook -- note what databases you've searched and what terms you've used. Sometimes you'll find the "perfect" key words in the 3rd database and you'll want to go back to the first 2 and search them over.
TIP #2 -- Look beyond the first 10. There may be good stuff a way down the list.
TIP #3 -- When you see something good, READ IT—look at the subject terms and abstract.
TIP #4 -- What if I can’t link to full text? See a librarian! It may be in a different database, available in our paper subscriptions, or available from another library. We can help you navigate those choices.