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Write a list of keywords to describe your topic. Come up with a list of
potential search terms. Use the literature itself to find additional terms.
Focus your initial efforts on library
databases.
Divide your search into books, articles, experts, special
literature, useful websites. Search for each of these things one at a time.
If you find that a particular person has written a lot of articles about your
topic, be sure to search in databases using that person's name.
Use the literature that you find to narrow your search. Use additional
search terms to limit the number of results retrieved.
Be systematic in your searching. Scan each database.
Consult the online help and search tips when you use library databases. Library
databases are not like web search engines.
Be aware of the concept of controlled vocabulary vs. keyword
searching in library databases. Do a keyword search first; then check to see if subject headings have been assigned. If so, search on them, too.
Click here to read an excellent summary of controlled vs. keyword searching.