6.3: Create and implement a complex search strategy

Table of Contents

1. Designing a complex search strategy
   1. Locating a piece of specific information
   2. Retrieving everything on a topic
   3. Useful Search Techniques
   4. More useful search techniques
2. Reviewing search terms in the light of results - broader/narrower/related terms
3. Collection and presentation of results

Designing a complex search strategy

In Outcome 2 we looked at the theory of search logic - Boolean logic, wildcards, non-obvious search terms, grammar of the Internet, search engine operation and syntax, ranking, ownership of the web, the Dark Internet and invisible web. In Outcome 3 we consider how to apply all of this knowledge in order to design the best strategy for any inquiry. If you are not confident of your knowledge and understanding of the Outcome 2 topics, you will find in beneficial to revise that section before proceeding further with Outcome 3. You can return to the ICTL home page by clicking on the ICTL logo at the top left of the page and navigate to Outcome 2 from there.

Complex searches fall into two broad categories:

1. You may want to locate a single piece of specific information.

2. You may be asked by the enquirer to retrieve everything you can on the topic.

Let's look first at Locating a piece of specific information ...