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American History: Search Strategies

When you are doing research consider the content, the context, and your strategy.

Content: What is it you are looking for? Use multiple, specific, descriptive keywords. If at first you don't succeed, try synonyms. Think about what words other sources you've found have used to talk about your topic. Consider how terms related to your topic have changed over time and differences in formal and informal language.

Context: Think format, file type, date. Are you looking for a news article? An academic journal? Do you want raw data or a graph? Add terms like archive, opinion, debate, or image to your search to help find exactly what you are looking for.

Strategy: Advanced search is your friend! use the advanced search options and filters in databases to narrow and focus your results. When web searching, use Google Advanced Search. 

Advanced Search is your friend!

Before you search, make a plan. Stop and think: What information am I looking for? What format do I want? Do I want information from a particular time? In a particular language? Sources that are peer reviewed? What keywords and search strategies will you use to find the information you are looking for. Always check databases for the advanced search feature. This will help you limit your search and (hopefully!) find results that are more relevant. FYI- Google has an advanced search option, too!

Other useful search tips:

  • Use AND, OR, and NOT to refine your search terms. 
    • AND searches for documents that contain all of your search terms
    • OR searches for documents that contain any of your search terms
    • NOT searches for documents that do not contain the term after NOT

  • If a word can have multiple endings, try searching with an asterisk (*) to find all versions of the word.

    • For example, child* brings up child, children, childhood, and any other word that starts with the root "child."

  • If a word can have multiple spellings, try inserting a question mark where the differences are.

    • For example, globali?ation brings up items with the words globalization or globalisation.

  • Find out if the database you're using has a "subject search" option. This can help you browse materials in your topic before searching for something more specific.
  • And of course, ask a librarian if you have questions!

 

References

Bates, M.J., 1989. The design of browsing and techniques for the online search interface. Online Review,13(5),

      pp.407- 424.

Hawkins, D. T., & Wagers, R. (1982). Online Bibliographic Search Strategy Development. Online, 6(3), 12-19.
Markey K. 2015. Online Searching: A Guide to Finding Information Efficiently and Effectively.Lanham, MD: Rowman

      & Littlefield. 978-1442238855 (paperback).
Quint, B. (1991). "Inside a searcher's mind: The seven stages of an online search--part 2." Online15, 4 (July): 28-33.

 

Joyce Kasman Valenza