Information Literacy

8 Search Strategies

1.Think about the answer to your question before you search.

2. Think about what someone else would have written about your topic.

3. Use a key word search. Use only the words that will help you find the answer (e.g., What kinds of bears live in Alaska?-->In Google type "bears alaska")

4. Use synonyms if the key words you choose don't work.

5. Open the advanced search menu:

• Narrow the words you use or don't use
• Domain (.edu, .gov, .co .uk)
• Reading level (basic to advanced)
• File type (.pdf, .KMZ, .KML, .PPT)
• Use operators ("", +, -, ~)

6.Once you’ve found a webpage you like use “command + F” or “control +F” to search within that page for a particular word or phrase.

7.Try Google Scholar to find books and articles cited by other researchers.

8.Keep your search skills sharp by trying the Google A Day challenges.