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Search Tips
Getting Started
When entering broad or general search terms, try to think about how a website might phrase the subject you’re looking for. Often in writing we use more formal language than we do when speaking; if you were speaking aloud you might phrase your search as nations that separate from countries, but you’ll have better luck if you rephrase to more formal language and use only the most important words in your phrase. For example, do a Google search for country AND independence and you will find several resources that identify nations that have fought for independence from a parent nation.
Many libraries will provide research guides to all sorts of different topics, including research strategies as well as common sources and search terms. Check out these guides from the New York Public Library to get started!
Persistence, Persistence, Persistence!
Most research is simply a process of trial and error: try a keywords or phrase and see what kinds of results you get. If you’re not happy with your results, try some different keywords or phrases and see what you get. Some databases will keep track of the keywords and phrases you enter, but in many cases you will need to do this yourself; keep a pad of paper with you and write down the words and phrases you’ve tried searching for and if they’ve yielded any useful results. Don’t forget to try synonyms and antonyms of words you’re interested in!
Improve Your Search Results
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General advanced search tips. These will work within lots of databases and websites; a lot of databases will also have a help page you can read to learn about the database's particular search quirks)
Track Your Search Results
Doing a lot of research, and need to keep track of your sources? Try out a citation manager!
Evaluate Your Search Results
Resources
Develop a strategy for researching and sharing
Search for images or written sources
Find tools to help you create
Learn how to share your work with others
