When searching for information on a particular topic, you must take complex concepts and translate them into search statements the computer will understand. This module will focus on several strategies to help you retrieve information efficiently and effectively from various search engines but in particular academic databases.
In this module, you will learn how to:
- Correlate appropriate databases or search engines to your broad topic area.
- Determine the influences of database structure on searching for information.
- Differentiate between "free text" and "field limits" searching.
- Select search terms relevant to your topic.
- Identify multiple methods for constructing a search statement such as Boolean operators (AND, OR), truncation and wildcards, and nesting.
- Define commonly used types of searches: Author, Title, Subject, Keyword.