1 Successful Searching: an introduction to searching the library
Learning Objectives
This chapter will introduce you to research techniques and the tools to help you find and manage information effectively.
- Constructing a search strategy
- Understanding the different types of information sources
- The Library search box: basic searching skills
- Searching for open access, online and print books
Constructing a search strategy
This module explains:
- what a reading list is
- where your subjects reading list can be found
- how to find these items in the library
- how to find information to answer your assessment questions
- what keyword and alternative terms are
- how to use the to find additional scholarly resources
Understanding different types of information sources
This module explains different types of information sources including:
- dictionaries, encyclopedias and handbooks
- books
- journals and journal articles
- websites
- news sources
- primary and secondary information
Basic searching skills
This module explains how to:
- navigate the library search box
- build your favourites list
- place a request for an item
- manage your “My Library” account
Searching for open access resources
This module explains how to:
- search for open access text resources, including books and chapters
- search for online books and chapters in databases
- search for and locate print books on the library shelves
Chapter Review
- Analysing and understanding your assessment task will help you find keywords that are needed to research the topic.
- It is important to understand the different type of information resources and which one to use for academic study.
- Filtering your search results will give a more targeted search.
- Alternative keywords can improve your search.
