How to develop a search strategy

How can I improve my results?

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