2. Information retrieval for research It is important that you develop effective information retrieval skills so that you can: Get perspective on a topic Identify information and ideas relevant to your work Avoid reinventing the wheel Increase your knowledge of a subject area Provide intellectual content for your own work Complete a successful search for a literature review
23. Library Catalogue Tips Start with keyword searching Use items records to identify subject headings Use Subject Headings to focus your search Use Advanced Search Limit item types Use Journal Title search to locate full text
24. Databases to consider Use the Library Database guides to help you Engineering Village (Compendex / Georef) ICE Virtual Library Informit Proquest EbscoHOST Informaworld Emerald Tip: If you know a key journal in your field identify which database it is in and search that database – often you will find similar journals in the same database
25. Databases Use the database guide Research is interdisciplinary – think outside of the box Do not limit yourself to full text only Use limiters and controlled vocabulary to focus your search
26. Too much or too little? Too Much Information Is your topic too broad? Narrow your topic using more specific terms Use AND Use date limiters / search limiters Not enough information Is your search too specific? Check your spelling! Use TRUNCATION and OR operators Are you looking in the right place Maybe there isn’t much on the topic
27. Some final notes Think before you start – concept map / brain storm Start with the catalogue – database – internet (or at least use all of the tools) Develop a search strategy and be prepared to change it! Record all the details of all your references as you go You will need this information for your in text citations and reference lists Remember one useful book / article leads to others References (back in time) Cited By (forward in time)
Editor's Notes
Library Catalogue Do Keyword search Show Phrase limiting or truncation Show advanced search – file type Show Journal Title Search Mention eBooks
Show Database Guide by Subject / by PopularHighlight Key databases to useDemo on Proquest / Ebsco / Engineering Village / InformaworldShow controlled vocab
Recapping: you now have a variety of tools / strategies you can use in your searchingWhat if your search isn’t working? Too likely scenarios you are getting too much information without enough focus (your search is too broad) or you don’t get enough or even any results. If there are no results I am suspicious and suspect that my spelling may be incorrect or that ther is an issue with the platform
