Module 3 Finding information for research

MICHAEL HAWKS, GABRIELLE HAYES, STEF JACOBS, PETER SONDERGELD

Module learning objectives

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Locate, understand, and apply database specific techniques.
2. Formulate effective searches using advanced search techniques.
3. Apply discipline specific searching methodologies.
4. Evaluate the efficacy of the search and relevance of results.
5. Use cited reference searching to find other relevant resources.

Learning plan

In this module, we will:

• Look at the mechanics of comprehensive searching.
• Explain and demonstrate what effective information searching looks like.
• Outline search techniques (syntax) to develop effective search statements.
• Practise preliminary and comprehensive searching across a range of databases and other tools.
• Explain how to determine if your search is effective.
• Identify additional strategies for finding information, such as cited reference searching.
• Provide information about accessing and retrieving information from libraries.