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Self-study material for information searches: Planning

Quick search

The purpose of quick search is to find a direct answer to a question or just a few documents related to the topic. A quick search is appropriate when trying to find:

  • general information on a subject (EU Agenda 2000, how to teach to play the piano)
  • single facts (contact information, a section of a law, statistical information, the name of a composer, to check an online catalogue if a specific title is available)
  • references or key documents, which can be further used to refine the search.

Create mind maps to find search terms and how they relate to each other.

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Choosing search terms

Before you start searching for information, take time to consider what the concepts related to the topic are: eg. mobile devices

  • broader (computers, information technology)
  • narrower (tablets, smart phones)
  • related concepts (wireless devices)

For search terms, you can use the terminology found in

  • articles
  • textbooks
  • reference books and dictionaries

Specifying topic and selecting approach

A successful information search is based on good planning. You can choose between two different approaches:

  • quick search suitable for a restricted need for information
  • systematic information retrieval for more advanced needs.

Systematic search

In more extensive research, for example writing a thesis, quick search is only partly suitable. When you have chosen the research topic, make a systematic review of the previous publications related to the topic, both printed and electronic, and of on-going research projects. 

This requires persistent work. You need an extensive knowledge of information searching techniques, methods and possibilities:

  • library catalogues and services
  • databases related to the field
  • the basics of how to make a search plan and other search strategies in addition to quick search
  • how to use thesauruses and sometimes even classification systems
  • how to use different search strategies to refine the search
  • how to use information network services (discussion groups, mailing lists and e-mail) in communication
  • new electronic resources and collections (virtual libraries)
  • the advanced qualities and subject directories of search engines