Skip to the content of the web site.

Library Guide Series

Summary

  1. Know what you are looking for.
  2. Select the database most likely to contain an answer to your question.
  3. Make a concept map.
    1. Write down the ideal title.
    2. Divide it into smallest ideas.
    3. Add synonyms.
  4. Search for synonymous groups, rows in the concept map, by combining the references retrieved with OR.
  5. Combine the groups using AND, a pair at a time. Start with those representing the concepts of most interest.
  6. As the number of retrieved references starts to approach a reasonable number, display a couple of references on the screen to monitor the progress of the search.
  7. Once you have retrieved what you want, print the references.

If you have questions about how the database or searching works, come to the Information Desk in any of the libraries.

June 20, 2005

Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Comments and Questions are welcome!

Librarian, Information Services and Resources
Last Updated: October 7, 2004