Author, title, keyword, subject and journal searches are some of the standard ways of searching databases.

Many databases have thesauri that provide subject headings, which insure that citation/full-text retrieval should reflect the concepts searched.  If you are attempting to find material on a relatively new concept, then free text searching may be required.  For example, the term "digital divide" may not be in a thesaurus.  However, there may be citations /articles in the database on the topic that you find using the term as a free text (or keyword).  

Databases also offer the option of using limits to narrow your retrieval.  If you retrieve too many hits with your term, you can use parameters such as year of publication, language, journal title, etc., to limit your search.

Some databases will allow you to set up an SDI to assist you in monitoring the development of research on a topic.  An SDI enables you to receive monthly email updates indicating what new citations have entered the database that conform to your saved search strategy.  SDIs are only available to those who are currently enrolled and paying fees at MU.  Instructions for setting up Auto Alerts and SDIs for many databases can be found here.