Ohio Reference
Excellence
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Search Strategies Overview
Determine the need, then devise an effective strategy to locate the information.
Search Strategies Overview
The key to successful searching is getting the correct
question in the reference interview. Once you know what the
patron actually needs, you can start the search. How you think about getting the answer
(your search strategy) directs the methods and actual resources you will use (Module 5). For remote reference, the same standards are expected to
be met, and the guideline is concise: "Practice good search strategies."!
1. Start broadly, break into parts, then narrow search:
- Think broadly about what resources might satisfy your patron's information need, then
break down complex questions into manageable parts. See if the question can be restated or
organized differently to help find the answer.
2. Consider the most appropriate types of resources to consult:
- Mentally and physically review tools you have on hand. Don't stop with books, magazines
or common indexes. Remember pamphlet files, government agencies, universities, online
databases, backup reference sources, or experts.
- Know the recommended Web sources in your library, how they are organized, and how they
relate to the library's in-house collection.
3. Use the right keywords and subject headings for the resources you choose:
- Consider all possible index terms or keywords for your search: for the catalog, in a
reference book, or with a search engine. Use broader terms and synonyms to open more areas
of possible information and narrower terms for precision searching.
4. Know how to use the reference resources!
- When consulting Web search engines, choose carefully. Don't rely on
one search engine.
- Be familiar with standard reference source access points such as a table of contents,
index, or user guide. Know how search engines work: how to
narrow or broaden searches and how to use a search engine's advanced searching techniques
for more precise searching.
5. Get the information in the best format:
- Consider what format or media is needed by the user. Your library has more than books!
The Web provides access to many types of media. Search by format in the library catalog or
search for different types of media in appropriate search engines.
6. If necessary, refer to an expert on the subject:
- Consider who might know something about this subject. Search for experts in the field,
or the patron might have more information. Going to another staff member, making phone
calls to potential experts or sources of information, networking, or asking others are all
good ideas.
Did you understand the question?
Never hesitate to admit to the patron that you don't
understand the question. They will generally be glad to explain and will appreciate your
interest in the subject. You can start with a dictionary or encyclopedia (print or Web
versions) to provide some background if needed.
Being flexible while searching will give the best results. If
you are clear on the question, you can always find resources for answers.
Major Point: Get the patron's real question first, then use a search strategy that
will get you to the most appropriate resources.
Reference sources
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Start your search in the right place! Try these links and also see Look It Up page in this module.
Feel lost and don't know where to start? Search Tools from Infopeople lists recommended search sites for news, government, kids, indexes, and search engine guides and also available is the Best Search Tools Page which is a search form with the best search tools on one page.
Use the invisible web for sources not
in regular search engines, a useful handout from State Library of Ohio.
Get the real question before you search for answers!
Some Preble County District Library locations:
West Manchester Library
West Elkton Library
New Paris Library
Reader's Advisory
Sometimes patrons want a good book to read. The
readers’ advisory interview uses many of the same behaviors as the reference
interview, approachability is the key.
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Overview
Interview
People
Resources
Ethics
