It is important to map out how you will go about searching library databases, the library catalog, or even search engines like Google Scholar for research materials on your topic prior to beginning your search. Here is an example of a search strategy worksheet [PDF] that you may find helpful as you read through this page.
Steps for Creating a Search Strategy
1. Summarize your topic
2. Identify main concepts (keywords)
3. Identify synonyms, alternate words and/or related words
4. Try different combinations of keywords
Example: How can mental health professionals better serve female victims of intimate partner violence?
What are the main concepts or keywords?
mental health professionals // women // intimate partner violence
Think of synonyms, alternate words, or related words.
social workers, therapists, psychologists // women, female // domestic abuse, sexual violence, violence in relationships
Develop your search strategy using the terms above.
Mix and match terms. If one keyword doesn't work, try to vary your keywords with synonyms.
Boolean Operators
Boolean operators help to narrow or broaden your search. The most useful are AND, OR, NOT which help to connect keywords or concepts.