Effective Online Searching Tips
How do you search on the Internet? Do you go to Google, type in a word or two, hit <Enter>, and then go to one of the first five links that come up? There are many simple things that you can do to narrow your search and find more relevant results.
I always recommend that when doing research online, use more than one search tool. Don't limit yourself to just Google. You may find more with another search tool or the same ones keep popping up. For links to other search tools, see the Reference Collection.
Remember before using a source, you need to evaluate it to make sure that it is the right source for your paper and that it contains accurate information. See the Evaluating Sources page for more information.
I always recommend that when doing research online, use more than one search tool. Don't limit yourself to just Google. You may find more with another search tool or the same ones keep popping up. For links to other search tools, see the Reference Collection.
Remember before using a source, you need to evaluate it to make sure that it is the right source for your paper and that it contains accurate information. See the Evaluating Sources page for more information.
Phrase Searching with Quotation Marks |
When using more than one word in a search, put the terms in quotation marks, for most search tools, it will focus the search with those terms together. Example: "book censorship" |
Citation Search |
Let's say that you are searching in a database and just find the citation and no full text, search the title in a search tool. To make sure you have the correct article include the author and pdf at the end of your search. |
Format Search |
If you are searching for an actual document, add pdf or doc at the end of your search. It will only look for PDF files or Microsoft Word documents. |
Add Search Term to Narrow or Broaden Search |
Add another search term to narrow your search such as locations, format types like journal, etc. Examples: "book censorship" Illinois (looks for book censorship in the state of Illinois) "book censorship" article (looks for articles about book censorship) |
Control + F |
You found an article that you think might be useful. Instead of skimming it hit <Ctrl> and <F>. A box will appear. Type in your search terms. It will search your terms in the article. How many times did it come up? It is worth using if your search term is only used in one paragraph? |
Advanced Search Features |
Many search tools and databases have an advanced search where you can limit searching in a variety of fields such as date, language, file, and more. Google's Advanced search is https://www.google.com/advanced_search |
Field Search |
Many databases and search tools have drop-down menus for field searching. Others have codes to search for a title, author, abstract, etc. Check the search tool's help or about pages for more information. Example: intitle: Fault (title search with the term Fault in it) |
Boolean Search Operators |
Boolean Logic uses terms AND, OR, NOT. Some databases and search tools use + for AND and - for NOT. Examples: "Book censorship" AND "young adults" (Searches for results with both terms) "Book censorship" NOT nonfiction (Searches for results but will not display results with nonfiction in it). "book censorship" -Pinterest (You want to avoid anything from Pinterest) Here's a great video explaining Boolean Search Operators: Boolean Operators: Pirates vs. Ninjas |
Keywords |
Create a list of synonyms, examples, and issues. So when you get no results with your "go-to" search terms, you can consult with your list and try new ones. I tend to write out a list and have it with me at the computer or at the library so it's there for quick reference when needed. Example: Book Censorship, Book Banning, Book Challenges, First Amendment.. |
Truncation, Wildcard, Proximity |
Truncation often uses a * (asteriks) at the end of a term so when searching it will bring different work endings. Example: allerg* will bring results with allergy, allergic, allergies, etc. Wildcard uses a ? (question mark) and replaces one letter in a word. Example: m?n will bring results with both man and men in them. Proximity Searches. Many databases allow Proximity Searches where it will search for two terms close together (up to ten words apart, generally). Check the Help or About page to see what operator is used. Some use N for near and others use W for within. Example: Gone N3 Wind may give you result like "Gone with the Wind". |
Nesting/String Searches |
This search strategy reminds me of algebra because the search query does look like an equation. Example: Book censorship AND (Young Adult OR Adolescent) (searches for book censorship with either Young Adult or Adolescent). |
Everything Changes |
Databases and search tools are always evolving so check the About or Help pages to keep up to date with the best ways to search. Be adaptable and willing to try new methods and new terms. |
If you have any questions or need assistance trying out these techniques, please see Mr. Andrusyk or your second favorite librarian.
Sources
Benedictine University Library. "Search Using Truncation and Wildcards." Search Databases Like a Pro. 24 Aug. 2018. researchguides.ben.edu/search
Bromann-Bender, Jennifer. "Top Ten Research and Online Searching Tips: Are Your Seniors College and Career Ready?" School Library Connection. Oct., 2016.
____. "Top Ten Research and Online Searching Tips for College." AISLE Conference 2018: School Libraries Are for Everyone, 2 November, 2018, Tinley Park Convention Center, Tinley Park, IL.
Created November 14, 2018. Updated on September 11, 2020.
Bromann-Bender, Jennifer. "Top Ten Research and Online Searching Tips: Are Your Seniors College and Career Ready?" School Library Connection. Oct., 2016.
____. "Top Ten Research and Online Searching Tips for College." AISLE Conference 2018: School Libraries Are for Everyone, 2 November, 2018, Tinley Park Convention Center, Tinley Park, IL.
Created November 14, 2018. Updated on September 11, 2020.