WR122 James Bryant-Trerise

Keywords are usually nouns or short phrases (2 or 3 words that make up a single idea), and they are the most important words in your topic. They are straightforward, simple ways to ask your question to a search tool so you get relevant answers.

• On your worksheet, review what you wrote down for issues that interest you. Circle the most important individual ideas.
  Here's an example:
  
   
• Next, in the Brainstorm keywords box, write down only the most important, meaningful words. These important words are your keywords, and they are the foundation of your search strategy. Use them in your initial searches.
  Here's an example:
  

1. Start big.

   1. Start your searches with the most important idea. If you get a lot of search results, you can add in more search terms. Adding more terms means you'll get fewer search results.
   2. If you get very few search results, you know you've either searched with the wrong word, or there isn't a lot available on your topic.

2. Use quotation marks.

   1. Use quotation marks around your search terms to search for the words in the exact order you would like, instead of separately.

3. Try, and try again.

   1. Searching is both a process and a result. Finding information isn't a one-and-done exercise. It is a process where you try something, assess what you found, add that to what you already know, and use your new knowledge to make a more informed next attempt.
   2. Use different tools to find different types of information. That means using different CCC Library tools (databases, catalog) and search engines.