Planning your search is key to getting the most out of your search results. The following video will help you get started.
Video length: 2 min 26 sec
Key points from the video:
The rest of this page will outline the key steps for planning your search as discussed in this video: identify keywords, consider alternative keywords, and connect your keywords.
Typing your question into Google or the Library Catalogue is not the best way to search.
Mapping out your search can be a good place to start:
Check out the guide below for more information on instruction words.
Can you find the keywords in the activities below?
To cover the range of terminology used in the literature, you must also identify any synonyms or similar keywords for each concept.
Also consider:
Try doing the following to help you understand your keywords and find similar or alternative keywords:
Here is an example table:
Keywords | Alternative or related terms |
Digital Art | Media art, visual culture, contemporary film, cinematic art |
Installation art | Conceptual art, interactive art, mixed media, immersive art, site-specific installation, land art |
Exhibition | Exhibit, showcase, performance, exposition, art display |
Artist | Creator, producer, practitioner, art maker, illustrator, fine artist, sketcher, artisan |
This table is a sample only and not specific to your assessments.
Once you have identified your keywords and found alternative keywords, you need to connect these to put your search together.
Use the following operator words, which most search tools will have, to indicate how you want the tool to search for your keywords:
Some more search tips:
An example search might be:
Remember, searching is not a linear process. You may change your search as you discover more information.