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Improving search results

Making the most of your results:

  • Once you have located a relevant citation, look at the complete record to see if there are other terms listed which might be useful for searching. Depending on the database you are using, these may be called 'subject headings', 'descriptors', 'concepts', 'codes' etc.

  • Check the reference lists of relevant resources for other relevant citations

  • If you have identified significant researcher/s, try an 'Author' search on their name/s
Too many results:

  • Your keywords may be too broad, or don't reflect reflect your particular focus.

  • You may need to experiment with more effective search strategies.

  • If using journal databases, it may help to search for your keywords in the 'Abstract' field of records. If your keywords have been included in the abstract/summary attached to the record, then the resource is more likely to be relevant.

  • When searching library catalogues and journal databases, check the subject headings or descriptors on relevant records to check if there are other, more relevant keywords.

  • Use the 'Limits' or 'Refine Search' options provided. These will vary from database to database, but may include limiting to specific dates, journals, or fields of the record.

  • If your topic has been well researched for many years, there may be a lot of literature published in the field. In this case, you will need to carefully consider your approach, and how you are going to narrow your results to a manageable number. You may need to do several different searches focusing on separate facets of the topic.
Not enough results:

  • Check that your choice of database is appropriate

  • Check that your keywords are appropriate, and spelled/typed correctly

  • Too many keywords can result in too few results. Begin your search with a couple of terms, and then experiment with adding other terms

  • How likely is it that there has been a significant amount of research published on your topic?

  • Where appropriate, you may need to consider other sources of information, e.g. using journal articles as well as books