Search Tips & Strategies

When you search online for information, the results you get depend on the words and/or combinations of words you use. Search engines, library catalogs & databases recognize the words you type into the search box.

Before you can begin searching for information in a print or online resource, you need to identify keywords related to your topic.

Key terminology can be easily be found by scanning:

• Your initial research questions
• Encyclopedia and other articles used when conducting background research
• Bibliographies found at the end of books and articles

If you are still struggling, then try these suggestions:

• Use a print thesaurus or Microsoft Office's thesaurus tool to identify synonyms
• Find pictures related to your topic, then describe the picture
• Brainstorm keywords with a librarian, your instructor, or a friend

Credits
JWU Denver Campus Library
Pfau Library, University of California, San Bernadino

You can do a subject search even if you don't know what subject heading(s) are used to describe your topic.

All you have to do is find one really good item on your topic and look at its subject headings.

A good strategy is:

• First, use your own terms in a Keyword Search.
• Then, look at the records for items that are on your topic.
• Jot down any good subject terms that are listed and use them later in subject searches or
• Click on the linked subject term to run a subject search automatically.