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Creating a Plan

a. Keyword Searching | b. Advanced Keyword Searching | c. Subject Searching

Creating a Plan

It is important to devise a search strategy before actually initiating the search process. Consider the following:

  • How your topic fits into the organizational structure of the library
    • knowing how library resources are organized helps you find information more efficiently
  • What the cycles of research are
    • so you can predict in which resource you are most likely to find the level of information you need
  • How to select and combine vocabulary terms for online databases
    • so you can quickly find information that is relevant to your topic

What Types of Information do you Need?

  • Reference Works- for a broad overview of your topic. Useful for:
    • Finding Background Information
    • Verifying Facts
    • Understanding Timelines of Events
  • Books- in-depth coverage of your topic. Useful for:
    • Providing a Historical Viewpoint
    • thorough treatments of issues surrounding a topic
  • Periodicals- to research specific aspects of your topic. Useful for:
    • Providing a Contemporary Viewpoint
    • Highlighting Specific or Detailed Aspects of a Topic

As you use the different tools you will need to broaden or narrow your search depending on what level of information you're trying to find. Use broad keywords when searching for background materials and narrowly focused terms when searching for articles.

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