1.2 Create a search strategy to fully satisfy the client's enquiry

Table of Contents

1. Choosing search terms
   1. Examples of search terms
   2. Synonyms
   3. A question about synonyms
   4. Another question about synonyms
   5. Related terms
   6. More about related terms
   7. Ambiguity
2. Structuring an Internet search
3. Using portals
4. Using bibliographic databases
5. Frequently-used websites
6. Website suffixes

More about related terms

Another aspect to be considered when choosing search terms is that while the client may give you descriptive terms for the information required, it may be more effective to search on actual names of individuals or organisations or concepts. Taking the earlier search regarding malnutrition in Africa, the description malnutrition could lead you to search using the key words World Health Organisation. This will lead to the WHO site where information on diseases in specific African countries is quickly located.

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Related terms Can you come up with a name of an organisation or individual which could be a useful specific term in searching for each of the following? horse racing the royal family relativity theory college courses There are many related terms which apply to each of these. Here are the examples which we thought of: Shergar, British Horse Racing Board The name of any member of the royal family, such as the Prince of Wales Albert Einstein The name of your local college

Note that the previous three techniques depend both on your ability to interpret the client's description and on your own general knowledge. With experience and in discussion with knowledgeable colleagues, your skills will increase.

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