WRT 205: Research Tips and Resources-McCrary (Spring 2023)

There are three basic search strategies that can be used when trying to locate information:

• Keyword search: Quick way to retrieve a lot of results. Results will include every single record that contains your search term in any of the record fields searched. 
• Subject search: Looks for your search terms in the subject heading category. Subject headings are not determined through natural language but are chosen from predetermined lists of acceptable subject headings.
• Boolean logic: Frequently the basis behind an "advanced search" feature in a search tool. Once you have brainstormed your key concepts, you are ready to create a Boolean search. Boolean logic enables you to state relationships between the search terms using the following "operators":

  • And

    • Only records with BOTH search terms will be retrieved

    • The AND operator is the most commonly used operator

  • Or

    • Used to search synonymous terms or related concepts

    • This search will retrieve records where EITHER of the search terms is present, resulting in a larger number of hits

  • Not

    • Used to exclude a term or concept from your search

    • The NOT operator is the least-used operator 

Different search tools (e.g., catalogs, databases, web) have different searching rules and features. You should always read directions and help screens before using a tool that is new to you.

Librarian search tip:  Remember that when deciding on which words or phrases to type in when entering search queries - that because a published source contains words or phrases does not mean the source is "about" (aka:  the 'subject' of) those concepts.  This is why often "subject" searching may be preferable throughout some of your explorations.  For words or short phrases representing core concepts in your inquiries, try selecting database search field options that search those terms as "subjects."  Summon advanced search menus call these "subject terms."  Unless you are doing literal text mining and counting literal mentions of words or phrases, much of your research inquiries will often seek sources about those concepts, not just random mentions of the terminology.

In a lot of search tools, including SUMMON and many databases, there are options for refining your search built into the results screens. Once you conduct your initial search, you can narrow down the results by subject, discipline (which in Summon is a wonderful search result filter called "area of study," publication date, source type/content type, language, and other features.