2 short videos introduce Boolean search techniques:
[How Library Stuff Works, McMaster Libraries]
Always remember to evaluate the quality of the site you are viewing. Don't believe everything you read unless the information comes from a reputable or reliable source.
Consider authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, and completeness as you evaluate whether to utilize the information found on a particular Web page.
Whether you are searching for books in the Five College Library Catalog, or searching for scholarly articles in a library database, it pays to be organized as you start your search. Break down searching into a three step process.
STEP 1
Write down as much information about your topic as possible. (You can use encyclopedias and other reference books to help gather background information). Answer the following questions:
Then, try to summarize what you are looking for in one or two sentences.
EXAMPLE: I would like to learn about the lead in drinking water and its toxic effects including the Flint Michigan water crisis.
STEP 2
Using the information in Step 1, list the main concepts of your topic.
EXAMPLE: lead, drinking water, toxicity, Flint Michigan
STEP 3
Now create a list of synonyms of your key concepts. Think broadly, think narrowly! This step is helping you expand your search by expressing your query in a variety of ways. If you get too many results, then you can work on focussing your search.
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lead
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water drinking water
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health pollution child* effects Flint Michigan
Ex. pollut*
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You will use the word lists you developed in Step 3 to create search strategies. Use "OR" between synonyms and "AND" between concepts. For instance:
(lead) AND (water OR drinking water) AND (health) AND (Flint Michigan)
