Introduction to the Internet: Steps in electronic searching

Information need

Create search question

Identify keywords in search question

Put keywords into concept groups

Link concept groups
Using
AND, OR, NOT

Operators

Select database

Identify search field (descriptor, title, etc.)

Check use of truncation, parentheses, etc.

Conduct search

Evaluate search results

No results	Too few results	Too many records	Relevant records
Consult thesaurus Check spelling & use of parentheses	Broaden search - Use OR - Use truncation Consult thesaurus for alternative terms Change search field	Narrow search - Select precise terms Use AND, NOT Remove truncation Consult thesaurus Change search field	Accept results Print or download results
Consider using a different database	Too few results	Too many records	Relevant records

Conduct search again

Evaluate search results

Reject results

Relevant results

Accept results

Print or download records