Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Revising your search strategy
If you're searching for publications in a bibliographic database, library catalogue
or other search tool, here are eight tips that can help you find more relevant results.
One, examine the titles, descriptions, subject headings, abstracts or tables of contents
of relevant search results. Identify additional terms to use in your search.
Two, for words with multiple spellings or endings, use a wildcard or truncation. For
example, using nurs* (nurs asterisk) will search for nurse, nurses, nursing, etc. Check
the search tool's help page for details.
Three, use Boolean operators, such as AND, OR, or NOT as appropriate.
Four, limit your search results to a specific date range, to peer-reviewed or scholarly
sources, to specific languages, and so on.
Five, for relevant items you have already found, particularly review articles, look
at the bibliography or reference list.
Six, using a citation database, like Scopus, Web of Science, or Google Scholar, look for
publications that cite relevant items you have already found.
Seven, if the database has a 'related' or 'suggested' articles link, make sure to check
those out.
And lastly, eight, try a different database. Each database has its strengths and weaknesses.
Visit the Program Guide relevant to your topic for suggestions.
Thank you for watching. And for further assistance, please contact the library.