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How to develop a search strategy

How can I improve my results?

 

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Your initial searches might find not enough, or too much information. Solution?: review your search terms, and either broaden or narrow your search.

To broaden your search (i.e. increase the amount you find) you can:

  • reduce the number of concepts you are using
  • use an OR search
  • look for alternative terms
  • use more general search terms
  • use subject headings as search terms
  • make sure you have used any Boolean operators correctly
  • use truncation to get variations on your term, or use alternate spellings

To narrow your search (i.e. reduce the amount you find) you can:

  • use an AND or NOT search
  • look for more specific alternative terms
  • use subject headings as search terms
  • make sure you have used any Boolean operators correctly
  • use more precise terms
  • remove any truncation
 

Extra
Truncation

Boolean operators:
Using AND
Using OR
Using NOT

 

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Last updated 26 September, 2003.
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