Find
Information in course readings and Waikato Reading Lists will be easy to access. However, when the search is broadened into Library Search, databases and the Internet, a planned search will help get better search results and in less time!
The first step in a successful search strategy is to define what subject the material should cover. Break the topic into main concepts found from your "information need" (see Plan section).
For this search the assignment question is to critically evaluate urban sprawl in New Zealand and some methods that could be used to address this issue. Our information need is:
This question is asking to find out about issues surrounding urban sprawl as it relates to New Zealand from a planning perspective.
Step two is to brainstorm synonyms, related and similar keywords or phrases.
Search Tips
Brainstorm keywords for the search - what synonyms can be used and how can they be combined?
Write down each search and how successful it was. This saves repeating searches and helps identify the most useful search terms
As a guide try three keywords per question. If there are more than three then consider breaking the question down into parts
Broaden or narrow the search terms if there are not enough or too many results
Where you choose to search is partially personal preference, but also determined by the material needed. The three choices covered here are: Library Search, Databases (Index New Zealand), and the Internet.
Library Search enables users to search most of the Library's online and print resources through a single search box. Results may be refined by choosing other filters.
Use for finding:
Full-text scholarly, academic articles
Books (fiction, non-fiction and ebooks)
Reference material (dictionary, encyclopedia content)
Video recordings
Newspapers
EBSCOhost is a great general database that contains articles and ebooks on many different subject areas.
Most of the database content has full text available.
Use for finding:
Journal articles
Ebooks
Magazine items
No one owns the Internet, therefore no one can control what information it contains. As a result, the Internet is heralded as the ultimate forum for freedom of speech, giving voice to 'anyone', but also allowing 'anyone' to publish material, regardless of its nature.
Use for finding:
Journal articles
Music
Newspaper articles
Blogs
Much, much more...
Module 2 Worksheet.pdf