- Search using the library catalog, library databases, and search engines like Google.
- Before you search, think about the terms you will use. Most of the time, it's not the most effective strategy to enter a question into a search box.
- Come up with a strategy. Where will you begin your search? What databases or types of websites are you looking for? picture your ideal source and try to find it.
- Develop effective queries. What terms will you use? How will you combine them?
What is a “search query”?
A search query is just anything you enter into a search field - the exact words, order, and punctuation. Getting good at structuring search queries will improve your search results! For practice, try using the Advanced Search option for any kind of search, and see how much more control you can have over the search results!
