Monash University Library
Accessibility Document
E-Learning Module
Developing a search strategy
Description
Information Caption: This tutorial is designed to guide you through the principal steps of
effective database searching.
This activity should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
1
Monash University Library
Table of Contents
Module introduction
Module objectives
Help instructions
Topic 1
Analyse your research topic
Identifying the concepts
Synonyms and related terms
Quiz 1: Synonyms and related terms
Phrases truncation and spelling
Truncation and spelling
Topic 2
Principles of Boolean searching
Search options: AND, OR , NOT
Using OR: Broadening the search
Using OR in the databases (animations)
OR - Ebsco
OR - Factiva
OR - Google
Using AND: Combining the concepts
Using AND in the databases (animations)
AND - Ebsco
AND - Factiva
AND - Google
Using AND and OR together
AND and OR - Ebsco (animation)
AND and OR - Factiva (animation)
AND and OR - Google (animation)
Using NOT: Excluding a term
Some extra search tips
Quiz 2: Broadening your search
Quiz 3: Narrowing your search
A final word
More information
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
2
Monash University Library
Module introduction
Image : Module introduction showing frustrated student leaning over a laptop
and 3 questions
Information caption:
 Can’t make sense of the essay question?
 Overwhelmed by too many search results?
 Can’t find enough relevant material?
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
3
Monash University Library
Module objectives
Image : Module objectives showing female student using a laptop
Information caption: In this tutorial you will learn how to:



analyse your research topic and identify terms to use in a database
search for relevant articles
combine these terms with Boolean operators to create a search
statement
use this search statement in various database searches
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
4
Monash University Library
Help instructions
Image : Help instructions
Information caption:



You will find both information and interactive activities
There will be instructions on each screen
If there are no other instructions please press next to continue to the
next screen
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
5
Monash University Library
Analyse your research topic
Image : Topic 1 introductory screen.
Information caption:
Analyse your research topic
Scenario: Your lecturer has set the following essay topic:
Discuss how social media is affecting the recruitment practices of employers.
You are required to refer to relevant academic journal articles and news
articles.
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
6
Monash University Library
Understanding the topic
Image : includes a male student reading a book and three buttons to click for
more information
Information caption: Before you start searching a database for journal or
news articles, make sure that you understand the topic and what you are
being asked to do.
Instruction caption: Click each item below to read more
Feedback caption:
Button: Background reading
Background reading is important for
 gaining an overview of the research topic and an understanding of
relevant concepts
 identifying potential search terms
Your background reading may also point to further initial sources of relevant
information.
When researching for a unit assignment be sure to read any relevant readings
your lecturer has recommended as well as the relevant sections of the unit
textbook(s).
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
7
Monash University Library
Button: Definitions
Check an encyclopedia, dictionary or relevant textbook for precise definitions
of terms.
Two examples of leading dictionaries which have online versions are
Macquarie Dictionary and Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Both include a
definition of “social media”.
Library guides often list subject-specific or specialist encyclopedias, such as
those comprising Blackwell Reference Online.
Button: What are you being asked to do?
Be clear about the actions required to respond to the topic.
Discuss – consider the aspects of the topic and provide a point of view, based
on authoritative evidence.
Depending on the topic, you may be asked to “analyse”, “compare and
contrast”, “evaluate” etc.
If you are unsure of exactly what is required, consult your lecturer or tutor, or
a Library Learning Skills Adviser.
For this topic you are also required to refer to relevant academic journals and
new articles, as evidence in your response.
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
8
Monash University Library
Identifying the concepts
Image : Quiz screen showing the essay topic
Information caption: What are the key concepts in this essay question?
Instruction caption: Click on the key terms in the topic
Information caption: Topic sentence: Discuss how social media is affecting
the recruitment practices of employers
Feedback caption: Key terms are social media, recruitment and employers
Terms which are not key terms are discuss, affecting, practices.
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
9
Monash University Library
Synonyms and related terms
Image : Synonyms and related terms
Information caption: The key terms alone may not be enough to form a
successful search strategy. Use synonyms or related terms or phrases,
which will allow you to create a more comprehensive search.
Instruction caption: Point the curser at each item below to show some
possible alternative terms
Information captions:
Social media: social networking sites, online social networks, Facebook
Recruitment: recruiting selection hiring
Employers: employees, human resources, staff
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
10
Monash University Library
Quiz 1: Synonyms and related terms
Image : Matching related terms quiz
Information caption: The three terms in the essay question may not be
enough to produce a successful search result. Using synonyms of related
terms (alternative words and phrases) will help widen the search,
Instruction caption: Click on the boxes to match the alternative terms with
the terms from the essay topic. Then click Submit. Click Clear to start again
Instruction caption: Click press next or back to continue
Feedback caption:
a) Social Media - Facebook is a social media service
- social networking sites is an alternative phrase
- online social networks is an alternative phrase
b) Employers
- is related to enterprises and also to businesses
c) Recruitment - is closely related to “staff selection”, recruiting and hiring.
For each of the three key terms there may also be other related terms which
have not been listed here.
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
11
Monash University Library
Phrases, truncation and spelling
Image : Female student deep in thought and click buttons for definitions
Instruction caption: click each item below to read more
Information caption:
Phrases: two or more words used together to form a single concept
(e.g. social media)
Phrase searching can help to narrow your search.
Some databases automatically treat a string of words as a phrase, and search
for an exact match for that phrase. Other databases search for the words
individually, which results in a broader and less precise search.
You can ensure a phrase search by enclosing the phrase in double quotation
marks.
Example “social media”
In some databases you can select a search option to specify that the entered
words are to be searched as a phrase.
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
12
Monash University Library
Truncation: Sometimes you may want to broaden a search by abbreviating a
search term to its stem and then searching for its various endings.
In many databases you can use a truncation symbol to represent these
endings. The most common truncation symbol is the asterisk (*).
Terminology and spelling: The articles and other content in a database are
usually collected from a wide range of publishers, so expect spelling and
terminology to vary according to the origin of the information.
For example
spelling:
organisation/organization
behavior/behaviour
terminology: primary school /elementary school
In addition to truncation, some database search engines can allow for spelling
variations within a word, with wildcard characters.
e.g. Entering wom?n will find both woman and women, helping to broaden
your search.
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
13
Monash University Library
Truncation and spelling
Image : Truncation and spelling information
Information caption: truncate a search term to search for the root or stem
word with all its various endings:
Instruction caption: Point the cursor at the terms below
Feedback caption: Recruit* : recruit, recruitment, recruiting …
Information caption: For search terms with multiple spellings you can often
use a wildcard symbol:
Feedback caption: behavio?r : behaviour, behaviour
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
14
Monash University Library
Principles of Boolean searching
Image : Introductory screen for Topic 2: Principles of Boolean searching.
Information caption:
 Most databases require you to group your terms in particular ways
 Boolean logic refers to the way in which you combine terms to create
a search statement
 The search statement includes or more of the three Boolean
operators: AND, OR, NOT
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
15
Monash University Library
Search options – AND, OR, NOT
Image : Boolean operations AND, OR, NOT
Information caption: Use Boolean logic to create an effective search
strategy linking the key terms
AND, OR, NOT
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
16
Monash University Library
Using OR: Broadening the search
Image : Using OR: broadening the search
Image: Three green overlapping circles (a Venn diagram), with each circle
representing the results of a database search on each of the three terms.
Information caption: As we have already seen, there are usually various
ways of describing a term or concept, and depending on the database you are
using, or the origin of the information, the terminology and spelling may vary.
Use OR to widen your search and catch the variant terms in a single search.
Instruction caption: Click the terms below to see the results of an actual
database search for: “social media” OR “social networking sites” OR “online
social networking”
The numbers represent the number of results found for each individual
concept.
Feedback caption: Clicking on the term “social media” = 9,748 results
Clicking on “social networking sites” = 1,196 results
Click on “online social networking” = 743 results
The coloured area (total area of each circle) represents the total for the three
concepts, which is 12,008 unique results.
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
17
Monash University Library
Using OR in the databases: Gateway screen
Image : This screen is the gateway to three interactive activities that
demonstrate the use of OR in different search screens
The screen includes a button for each interactive module, named according to
the search interface it demonstrates, respectively: Ebsco, Factiva, and
Google.
Instruction caption: Click the Ebsco button to see how to enter search terms
linked by OR (the Ebsco OR animation will begin)
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
18
Monash University Library
Ebsco OR animation: Screen 1
Image : Ebsco Host Advanced Search screen
Instruction caption:
This search screen design is typical of many databases. In the first box type:
“social media” or “social networking sites” or “social network sites”
(including the quotation marks) then press Enter
Feedback caption: Incorrect, please try again
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
19
Monash University Library
Ebsco OR animation: Screen 2
Image : Ebsco Host Advanced Search screen
Information caption:
The whole search string now displays in the box.
Instruction caption
Click the Return button at the bottom right of screen (to return to the
Using OR in the databases gateway screen)
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
20
Monash University Library
Screen step 14: Using OR in the databases: Gateway screen
Image : This screen is the gateway to three interactive activities that
demonstrate the use of OR in different search screens
The screen includes a button for each interactive module, named according to
the search interface it demonstrates, respectively: Ebsco, Factiva, and
Google.
Instruction caption: Click the Factiva button to see how to enter search
terms linked by OR (the Factiva OR animation will begin)
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
21
Monash University Library
Factiva OR animation: Screen 1
Image : Factiva Search screen
Instruction caption:
Type “social media” or “social networking sites” or “social network sites”
(including the quotation marks), and press Enter
Feedback caption: Incorrect, please try again
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
22
Monash University Library
Factiva OR animation: Screen 2
Image : Factiva Search screen
Information caption: The entered search string is displayed
Instruction caption: Click the Return button at the bottom right of screen
(to return to the Using OR in databases gateway screen)
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
23
Monash University Library
Using OR in the databases: Gateway screen
Image : This screen is the gateway to three interactive activities that
demonstrate the use of OR in different search screens
The screen includes a button for each interactive module, named according to
the search interface it demonstrates, respectively: Ebsco, Factiva, and
Google.
Instruction caption: Click the Google button to see how to enter search
terms linked by OR (the Google OR animation will begin)
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
24
Monash University Library
Google OR animation: Screen1
Image : Google Advanced Search screen
Instruction caption:
In Google Advanced Search enter the OR terms in the one or more of these
words section.
In the first box, type “social media” (including the quotation marks),
then click in the next box
Feedback caption: Incorrect, please try again
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
25
Monash University Library
Google OR animation: Screen 2
Image : Google Advanced Search screen
Instruction caption:
In the second box type “social networking sites”, then click in the next box
Feedback caption: Incorrect, please try again
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
26
Monash University Library
Google OR animation: Screen 3
Image : Google Advanced Search screen
Instruction caption:
In the last box, type “social network sites”, then press Enter
Feedback caption: Incorrect, please try again
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
27
Monash University Library
Google OR animation: Screen4
Image : Google Advanced Search screen
Information caption: The entered search also displays here (at the top of the
search screen)
Instruction caption: Click the Return button at the bottom right of screen (to
return to the Using OR in the databases gateway screen)
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
28
Monash University Library
Using OR in the databases: Gateway screen
Image : This screen is the gateway to three interactive activities that
demonstrate the use of OR in different search screens
The screen includes a button for each interactive module, named according to
the search interface it demonstrates, respectively: Ebsco, Factiva, and
Google.
Buttons: Press Back or Next to leave this gateway and the interactive
modules.
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
29
Monash University Library
Using AND: Combining the concepts
Image : Using AND: Combining the concepts.
Image: 3 pale blue overlapping circles (a Venn diagram), with each circle
representing the results of a database search on each of the 3 concepts.
The overlapped areas are a darker shade.
Information caption: We can use AND to indicate that all three terms from
the essay question must be included in our search results.
This is expressed as: “social media” AND recruitment AND employers
This is a powerful way of focusing your search; that is reducing the number of
results and making them more relevant.
Instruction caption 1: Click on the terms to see the results of an actual
database search when combining: “social media” AND recruitment AND
employers.
Feedback captions: clicking on the term social media” = 9,681 results
Clicking on the term recruitment = 78,834 results
Clicking on the term employers = 106,386 results
Instruction caption 2: click on overlapping areas of the circles for more
information.
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
30
Monash University Library
Feedback captions 2: 323 = the number of results which include “social
media” AND recruitment
5,635 = the number of results which include employers AND recruitment
149 = the number of results which include ‘social media” AND employers
32 = the number of results which include all 3 terms. These are the most likely
to be relevant to the topic.
Using AND in the databases: Gateway screen
Image : This screen is the gateway to three interactive activities that
demonstrate the use of AND in different search screens
The screen includes a button for each interactive module, named according to
the search interface it demonstrates, respectively: Ebsco, Factiva, and
Google.
Instruction caption: Click the Ebsco button to see how to enter search terms
linked by AND (the Ebsco AND animation will begin)
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
31
Monash University Library
Ebsco AND animation: Screen 1
Image : Ebsco Host Advanced Search screen
Instruction caption:
Each search term is entered in a separate box, and is automatically joined by
AND.
Type “social media” (including the quotation marks) in the first box, then click
in the box below it
Feedback caption: Incorrect, please try again
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
32
Monash University Library
Ebsco AND animation: Screen 2
Image : Ebsco Host Advanced Search screen
Instruction caption: Type recruitment , then click in the box below
Feedback caption: Incorrect, please try again
Ebsco AND animation: Screen 3
Image : Ebsco Host Advanced Search screen
Instruction caption: Type employers , then press Enter
Feedback caption: Incorrect, please try again
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
33
Monash University Library
Ebsco AND animation: Screen 4
Image : Ebsco Host Advanced Search screen
Information caption: All entered terms are displayed in the search screen
Instruction caption:
Click the Return button at the bottom right of screen (to return to the
Using AND in the databases gateway screen)
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
34
Monash University Library
Using AND in the databases: Gateway screen
Image : This screen is the gateway to three interactive activities that
demonstrate the use of AND in different search screens
The screen includes a button for each interactive module, named according to
the search interface it demonstrates, respectively: Ebsco, Factiva, and
Google.
Instruction caption: Click the Factiva button to see how to enter search
terms linked by AND (the Factiva AND animation will begin)
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
35
Monash University Library
Factiva AND animation: Screen 1
Image : Factiva Search screen
Instruction caption:
In a database in which there is only one search box, type the search
statement as a single string:
“social media” and recruitment and employers , then press Enter
Feedback caption: Incorrect, please try again
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
36
Monash University Library
Factiva AND animation: Screen 2
Image : Factiva Search screen
Information caption: The entered search string is displayed
Instruction caption:
Click the Return button at the bottom right of screen (to return to the
Using AND in the databases gateway screen)
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
37
Monash University Library
Using AND in the databases: Gateway screen
Image : This screen is the gateway to three interactive activities that
demonstrate the use of AND in different search screens
The screen includes a button for each interactive module, named according to
the search interface it demonstrates, respectively: Ebsco, Factiva, and
Google.
Instruction caption: Click the Google button to see how to enter search
terms linked by AND (the Google AND animation will begin)
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
38
Monash University Library
Google AND animation: Screen 1
Image : Google Advanced Search screen
Instruction caption:
In Google Advanced Search use the all these words: box. You do not
include AND between the terms.
Type: “social media” recruitment employers , then press Enter
Feedback caption: Incorrect, please try again
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
39
Monash University Library
Google AND animation: Screen 2
Image : Google Advanced Search screen
Information caption: The search string also displays here
Instruction caption:
Click the Return button at the bottom right of screen (to return to the
Using AND in databases gateway screen)
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
40
Monash University Library
Using AND in the databases: Gateway screen
Image : This screen is the gateway to three interactive activities that
demonstrate the use of AND in different search screens
The screen includes a button for each interactive module, named according to
the search interface it demonstrates, respectively: Ebsco, Factiva, and
Google.
Buttons: Press Back or Next to leave this gateway and the interactive
modules
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
41
Monash University Library
Using AND and OR together: Gateway screen
Image : This screen is the gateway to three interactive activities that
demonstrate the combination of AND and OR together in different search
screens.
The screen includes a button for each interactive module, named according to
the search interface it demonstrates, respectively: Ebsco, Factiva, and
Google. (Note: The exact search varies between the modules.)
Instruction caption:
Click the Ebsco button to see how to combine the power of OR to search
widely and then AND to focus, to produce a useful search result.
(the Ebsco AND & OR animation will begin)
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
42
Monash University Library
Ebsco AND & OR animation: Screen 1
Image : Ebsco Host Advanced Search screen
Instruction caption:
In the first box type:
“social media" or "social networking sites" or "social network sites"
then click in the box below it
Feedback caption: Incorrect, please try again
Ebsco AND & OR animation: Screen 2
Image : Ebsco Host Advanced Search screen
Instruction caption:
Type recruitment or hiring , then click in the box below
Feedback caption: Incorrect, please try again
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
43
Monash University Library
Ebsco AND & OR animation: Screen 3
Image : Ebsco Host Advanced Search screen
Instruction caption: Type employers , then click Search
Feedback caption: Incorrect, please try again
Ebsco AND & OR animation: Screen 4
Image : Search results displayed in Ebsco Host
Information caption: The search finds 62 articles
(Screen moves on automatically)
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
44
Monash University Library
Ebsco AND & OR animation: Screen 5
Image : Search results displayed in Ebsco Host
Information caption:
This is the first of the 62 records, showing the search terms highlighted in the
text of the brief record... (continued on the next screen)
(Screen moves on automatically)
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
45
Monash University Library
Ebsco AND & OR animation: Screen 6
Image : Search results displayed in Ebsco Host
This screen shows the full version of the record displayed on the previous
screen.
Information caption: (text continues from the previous screen’s caption)
…and in the full record
Instruction caption: Click the Return button at the bottom right of screen
to return to the Using AND and OR together gateway screen
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
46
Monash University Library
Using AND and OR together: Gateway screen
Image : This screen is the gateway to three interactive activities that
demonstrate the combination of AND and OR together in different search
screens.
The screen includes a button for each interactive module, named according to
the search interface it demonstrates, respectively: Ebsco, Factiva, and
Google. (Note: The exact search varies between the modules.)
Instruction caption:
Click the Factiva button to see how to combine the power of OR to search
widely and then AND to focus, to produce a useful search result.
(the Factiva AND & OR animation will begin)
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
47
Monash University Library
Factiva AND & OR animation: Screen 1
Image : Factiva Search screen
Instruction caption: Type:
(“social media” or “social networking sites”) and (recruitment or hiring) and
employers , then press Enter
Note that any group of terms connected with OR must be enclosed by
brackets.
Feedback caption: Incorrect, please try again
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
48
Monash University Library
Factiva AND & OR animation: Screen 2
Image : Factiva Result screen
Information caption: The search finds 26 articles
(Screen moves on automatically)
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
49
Monash University Library
Factiva AND & OR animation: Screen 3
Image : Factiva Results screen
Information caption:
Some text from a retrieved article showing highlighted search terms
Instruction caption: Click the Return button at the bottom right of screen
to return to the Using AND and OR together gateway screen
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
50
Monash University Library
Using AND and OR together: Gateway screen
Image : This screen is the gateway to three interactive activities that
demonstrate the combination of AND and OR together in different search
screens.
The screen includes a button for each interactive module, named according to
the search interface it demonstrates, respectively: Ebsco, Factiva, and
Google. (Note: The exact search varies between the modules.)
Instruction caption:
Click the Google button to see how to combine the power of OR to search
widely and then AND to focus, to produce a useful search result.
(the Google AND & OR animation will begin)
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
51
Monash University Library
Google AND & OR animation: Screen 1
Image : Google Advanced Search screen
Instruction caption:
In Google Advanced Search, in the all these words: box,
Type, recruitment employers
then click in the first box in the one or more of these words: section
Feedback caption: Incorrect, please try again
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
52
Monash University Library
Google AND & OR animation: Screen 2
Image : Google Advanced Search screen
Instruction caption: Type “social media” , then click in the next OR box
Feedback caption: Incorrect, please try again
Google AND & OR animation: Screen 3
Image : Google Advanced Search screen
Instruction caption: Type “social networking sites” , then press Enter
Feedback caption: Incorrect, please try again
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
53
Monash University Library
Google AND & OR animation: Screen 4
Image : Google Results page
Information caption:
A sample of search results with the search terms highlighted
Instruction caption: Click the Return button at the bottom right of screen
to return to the Using AND and OR together gateway screen
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
54
Monash University Library
Using AND and OR together: Gateway screen
Image : This screen is the gateway to three interactive activities that
demonstrate the combination of AND and OR together in different search
screens.
The screen includes a button for each interactive module, named according to
the search interface it demonstrates, respectively: Ebsco, Factiva, and
Google. (Note: The exact search varies between the modules.)
Buttons: Press Back or Next to leave this gateway and the interactive
modules
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
55
Monash University Library
Using NOT: Excluding a term
Image : Using NOT: Excluding a term
Image shows two overlapping circles, one red, one blue; the overlapping area
is purple. The image represents the sets of results retrieved by searching on
the terms “social media” NOT facebook.
Information caption: NOT is used much less frequently than AND and OR,
but can be used very effectively to exclude unwanted terms.
NOT should always be used with caution, as results which include both the
desired and unwanted terms will be excluded. The search “social media”
NOT facebook produces the set of results depicted by the red area.
The intersecting area contains results which have both terms, but using NOT
excludes these records, even though some may also include useful
information on social media other than facebook.
However, if you were searching for information about Melbourne, but not
about Melbourne in Florida, you could search for Melbourne NOT Florida to
usefully exclude any irrelevant information, since these topics are very
distinct.
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
56
Monash University Library
Some extra search tips.
Image : Some extra search tips.
Information caption: Some databases require the Boolean operators to be in
upper case (AND, OR, NOT). If in doubt, consult the online help for this and
other information on correctly structuring and entering a search in that
database, or ask a librarian.
Although Google and Monash Search allow natural language searching,
for best results avoid directly typing your essay topic in the search box.
Decide on the topic’s key terms and use Boolean searching instead.
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
57
Monash University Library
Quiz 2: Broadening your search
Image : Tick the box quiz: “Broadening your search”
Information caption: There are a number of ways you might increase the
number of relevant results if you didn’t get enough in your first search
Instruction caption: Based on what has been covered in this module select
all the options that would broaden your results
A) Check that you are searching a database relevant to the topic
B) Check for spelling mistakes or other errors in entering the search terms
C) Add a term (using AND)
D) Add a synonym or alternative term with OR
E) Make sure you are using the Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) correctly
F) Use truncations to find variations of your terms
Submit
Feedback caption: A), B), D) E) F) – Correct –any one of these options
would help to improve the number of relevant results from your search. Click
anywhere or press ‘y’ to continue.
C) Incorrect – all options except C will result in a broader search.
Click anywhere or press ‘y’ to continue.
Instruction caption 2: Please complete the quiz before continuing.
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
58
Monash University Library
Quiz 3: Focusing your search
Image : Tick the box quiz: Focusing or narrowing your search.
Information caption: If your search resulted in too many records, you will
need to focus or narrow the search to achieve a smaller and more relevant set
of results.
Instruction caption: Based on what has been covered in this module select
all the options that would narrow the results.
A) Limit your search by date, document type or language
B) Remove a synonym (or alternative terms)
C) Add another concept or key term using AND
D) Use phrase searching where relevant
E) Search using more specific terms
F) use NOT to eliminate an aspect of the topic you are not interested in
Submit
Feedback caption: A), B), C), D), E), F) Correct - any of these options would
help to reduce and focus the number of relevant results from your search, but
some will do so more effectively than others.
.
If not all the boxes were ticked: Incorrect - all of these options would help to
reduce and focus the number of relevant results from your search, but some
will do so more effectively than others..
.
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
59
Monash University Library
A final word...
Image : A final word…
Information caption: Congratulations on completing “Developing a search
strategy”!
You have been introduced to the steps for converting a research topic or
question into an effective database search strategy:
1. Understand the topic/question. Clarify concepts, definitions, and what you
are being asked to do.
2. Identify the key terms, and alternative expressions that will help to broaden
the search and increase the possible number of useful results.
3. Use Boolean operators (especially OR and AND) to construct a search
statement.
4. Perform the search and evaluate its results, looking for ways to increase
the relevance of your subsequent searches. The tutorial included examples of
several databases to show how search statement entry can differ between
interfaces.
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
60
Monash University Library
More information
Image : More information
Information caption: We hope that you found this activity useful.
For further information on library resources click links below.
Feel free to visit the library information point for further help.
Library home page http://www.lib.monash.edu.au/
Databases http://www.lib.monash.edu.au/databases/
Library guides http://www.lib.monash.edu.au/subjects/
ask.monash https://monash.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/c/207/kw/library
Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9902 6000 Facsimile +61 3 9905 4007
www.lib.monash.edu.au
File name: gm-developing-search-strategy-accessibility.docx
61