Library

Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.

 

The University of Sydney Library acknowledges that our buildings, collections, and practices exist on unceded Aboriginal lands. We recognise the diversity and knowledges of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students across all the lands the University stands on, and respect the ongoing connection Aboriginal people have to these lands, their cultural practices, knowledge systems and histories. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, who have handed down custodianship to each generation for more than 60,000 years. 

 

Money, J. (2021). Yilabara (Now). Filmed on Gadigal Country. Commissioned by the University of Sydney Library

First Nations Hub
Go to navigation

Search strategies

Identify different types of information and appropriate sources for your study or research
Distinguish between a search and a search strategy
Create a search strategy  
Components 
Process

Distinguish between a search and a search strategy

Searches and search strategies are related concepts used for information retrieval and research. 

  • A search is the general process of seeking out information. Examples include: 
    • searching a topic on Google
    • searching through books in a library
    • searching articles in a database.
  • A search strategy is a planned and systematic approach for conducting a search. It involves designing a method that maximises your chances of finding the most relevant and accurate information for your research topic or question. 

Create a search strategy  

Components 

  • Search terms (keywords, phrases and synonyms) 
  • Boolean operators (AND, OR and NOT) 
  • Filters (dates, language, publication type, etc.)
  • Truncation
  • Wildcards and proximity searching, 

Process

  1. Define the scope of the search.
  2. Select appropriate search terms or keywords
  3. Determine the most suitable search engines, databases or other repositories.
  4. Run a search.
  5. Refine your search results.
  6. Critically assess the information you find.

During this process you might need to modify your strategy to retrieve the most relevant results. Review your results and adjust your search strategy as needed. You can document this process using a research plan form.

Related information

Using academic databases Evaluating search results Searching Research plan form

  • Related information

    Using academic databases Evaluating search results Searching Research plan form

    • Contact

    We're here to help, online or in person.

    Contact us

  • Contact

    We're here to help, online or in person.

    Contact us