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ENG104: Introduction to Research Writing: Search Strategies

A dark pink background with the words Search Strategies on the left. To the right are 3 arrows labeled Graphics, Video, Activity to indicate the order to engage the page content

Putting keywords in a search box is just one step to searching. Below you'll find strategies to get the best results from your searching, including selecting a database to search in, how to narrow your results, and how to save and cite them.

Step 1: Graphics

Searching isn't just putting keywords in a search box. Below is a flow chart of strategies you can use to be a more efficient and effective researcher. These strategies should work well in any library database you choose to search in.

Image titled Important Search Strategies: A step by step guide. The image is split into 6 categories. Category 1: Create a keyword list. Creating a list of key words and phrases, including synonyms, helps you recognize the many different aspects of your topic and approaches to the question. Category 2 Select a place to search. Pick a library database. Each database differs by type of sources included as well as the subject of the sources they contain. Pick one that fits your topic and source type. Category 3 Filtering your results. Use limiters to narrow. Use date, source type, and other built-in limiters in the databases to narrow your search. Category 4 Use subject headings. Subjects aren't just keywords. Subjects are specific terms and phrases attached to an article describing the content of the article, rather than words just used in titles or the abstract. Category 5 Determine utility. Skim abstracts and table of contents. Read the abstract or table of contents of the source to figure out if and how it might b useful for your project. Category 6 Get the full-text and citation. Download and Save the PDF. Save the PDF if available. If not, request it via FindIt@UD. Most databases allow you to download a citation. Then you can just edit/check it before you use it.

Step 2: Video

Step 3: Activity

Now that you've done some searching, tell us how it went. What did you find, what worked well? What do you still have questions about? We'll do our best to reply to all the questions you still have.