How to plan an effective information search
Before you start any search, it's important to give some thought to what information you want or need to find, and do some preparation and planning. This will allow you to quickly find relevant results and save time in the long run.
Develop a search strategy
A key step is creating a search strategy which will help you to search for information more effectively and precisely.
A search strategy combines keywords and alternative terms in a comprehensive search which you can then use in information discovery tools, specifically academic databases.
By working through this online tutorial you will learn how to create an effective search strategy.
Which discovery tools to use
At university you have access to a range of information discovery tools provided by the Library.
These tools all have different strengths and each provides access to different types of content.
By working through this online tutorial you will learn where to search for information and which discovery tool to best use for your specific needs.
Watch the Database Video Guides for help using specific databases
Discovering information a masterclass workshop
In this workshop you will:
- consider your information needs.
- have the opportunity to create an effective search strategy.
- learn how to use a multidisciplinary academic database.
Producing a literature review
A literature review aims to give an overview of the current scholarly understanding of a particular topic, including any competing theories or perspectives.
The first stage of a literature review is about planning your search and turning your question into a search strategy.
By working through the first stage of this online tutorial you will learn how to create an effective search strategy for your literature review.
Next steps
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