Search Techniques: Planning your search strategy

Before you start searching for information, take time to plan your search strategy. This is a crucial stage of the research process as:

•  It will save you time
•  Your searching will be more structured
•  Your search results will be more relevant

 When you start out, you may feel overwhelmed by the breadth of information available.  However, by planning your searches in advance and applying effective search techniques,  you will find the most relevant content for your needs. 

Sage Research Methods Online (SRMO) is a great resource to use when you are planning and conducting your research.

Although targeted at social science researchers, it covers key research methodology topics that are applicable across the research spectrum.

Sage have produced this LibGuide to help you get the best from the resource.

My Learning Essentials resources are developed by The University of Manchester Library, and are licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. My Learning Essentials © The University of Manchester.

Use the guides to help you build your skills and confidence in finding, using and managing information for your assignments and projects.

This guide will look at five of the key stages involved in planning and conducting searches for information:

For information on how to effectively manage your sources after searching, have a look at our Referencing LibGuide.

• Your Library Liaison Teams are available for 1:1 support, throughout your research process
• Just get in touch if you want to make an appointment and you can come in and meet one of the Liaison Librarians for tailored guidance and support.

     Library Liaison Team @ Exeter 

       E-mail: libraryhelp@exeter.ac.uk 

      Just get in touch for advice or       

       arrange a 1:1 appointment.  

      Library Liaison Team @ Cornwall  

       E-mail: libhelp@fxplus.ac.uk 

       Find out more about library support

For more information on your Library Liaison Teams in Exeter and Cornwall, click here.