Developing a Search Strategy

Pick a topic:

Phrase your topic as a question:

Choose a database the most appropriate databases. Consider more than one, so that you examine your topic from multiple perspectives (ask a librarian if you need help):

Identify the main concepts in your topic question:

_____________________  AND ____________________ AND _________________

Think of synonyms for each concept, including subject headings used in the databases you choose to use (alternate spellings, singular/plural, truncation, gender, politically correct, etc.):

  ____________________AND _____________________ AND ___________________

OR___________________     _______________________      _____________________

OR __________________      _______________________      _____________________

OR __________________      _______________________      _____________________

OR __________________      _______________________      _____________________

Consider limiting to a particular date range, language, document type, etc.

Always consider modifying your topic, depending on the quality/quantity of your results.

Brenda Philip, July 2007
Green River Community College Library