Keyword Searching

 

The most important search strategy available is keyword searching. You have probably been doing keyword searching for a long time. Every time you use an index - even the yellow pages or your address book - you have done a 'keyword search.' Keyword searching will help you find what you need in library catalogs, on the Web, in electronic databases, and in print resources. It is flexible and generally universal.

In the case of electronic databases, the computer allows you to combine key words using Boolean logic or to search for a phrase such as 'nuclear power.' For example, if you are conducting a search about nuclear power plant safety, the key words or phrases you would search are 'nuclear power' and 'safety.' If you are writing about crime on college campuses, the key words might be 'crime' and 'college' or 'campus.' These words might change as you search for materials. For example, you might discover that 'atomic energy' is used interchangeably with 'nuclear energy,' or 'higher education' should be used in addition to 'college.' Keep a running list of these words.

 

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last updated on 3/30/99