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Introduction to Literature Search

This guide is intended to provide you with the basic skills necessary to search for literature. The skills are presented broadly and can be applied across all databases.

First attempts at searching do not always produce adequate results -- ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education.

Revise, revise, and revise

It is unlikely that you will find all the information that you need after the first attempt. Returning to the drawing board to revise a search strategy is a common part of the research process. Two of the most commons reasons that a search strategy may need to be revised is 1). it is producing Too Few Results or  2). it is producing Too Many Results. Additionally, your research question or needs may have changed as your research project evolves.

In the following boxes, you will find recommendations for revising and refining your search strategy.

Too Few Results?

If you are getting very few results, or none at all, you should try making your search broader. 

  • Try a new database -- some databases are better equipped for subject specific searches over others. For example, if your research topic is related to sports medicine, the database SPORTSDiscus with Full Text should be considered since it covers that subject in greater depth 
  • Broaden out your topic -- did you start from too narrow or specific of a place? Try using broader search terms to help widen out the scope of your topic
  • Use fewer search terms --  too many search terms can often over complicate a search strategy. Think about your original research question and identify the core components that are essential to your strategy. Sometimes going back to basics will open up a new avenue you didn't consider
  • Use fewer filters -- depending on your topic, there may not be that many results to begin with so filters will only further limit your options
  • Use OR with synonyms
  • Use wild card or truncation to include additional variations of your search terms -- see section 2. Searching Strategies for more information
  • Double check your Boolean Operators -- be sure that you have properly structured your search with ANDs, ORs, and NOTs
  • The topic is very new -- although it can be exciting to conduct research on a contemporary topic, there is a notable obstacle to this endeavor. If the topic is very new, then there may be limited literature available
  • Analogous experiences -- try thinking about the aspects of your research that are generalizable to other things. There may be literature on something comparable or similar enough to your topic that you can use instead to support your research. For example, if you are researching HPV vaccination schedules, it may be beneficial to look at additional literature on other vaccinations that follow a similar immunization process

It is important to note that there are occasions when there simply isn't much available literature on a given topic. If this occurs, do not hesitate to reach out to the Netter librarians for assistance. They can offer guidance on how to readdress your topic and search strategy. 

Adapted from:  UConn Library's Find Information -- Revising & Refining your Search | Washington University in St. Louis University Libraries' Creating & Revising your Search Strategy.

Too Many Results?

If you have a large number of results but not many of them look relevant, you may need to make your search more specific.

  • Narrow down your topic -- your topic may be too broad. Try thinking of a more focused aspect  of the topic to help concentrate your search
  • Modify your search terms -- perhaps your search terms are too broad. Try and think of terms that are a bit more specific to your question
  • Include additional search terms -- depending on your search terms, you may need to add more terms to help further refine your search. Try adding another concept to your search with  the Boolean Operator AND 
  • Reduce the number of synonyms -- take a look at the synonyms you're using in your search. Do any of these terms have alternate meanings that are bringing back irrelevant results?
  • Double check your Boolean Operators -- be sure that you have properly structured your search with ANDs, ORs, and NOTs
  • Use filters -- filters such as Publication Type, Language, or Date my give you more targeted results

Adapted from:  UConn Library's Find Information -- Revising & Refining your Search | Washington University in St. Louis University Libraries' Creating & Revising your Search Strategy.

When am I done?

When am I done?

Although there is no defined "stopping" point, keep the following in mind:

  • Are you finding any new ideas/information?
  • Are you encountering the same authors and/or articles?
  • Do you feel that you have a strong understanding of your topic?

Do note, if this is a long-term research project, be prepared to re-run your searches once every three or four weeks. You want to be sure that you are on top of the latest research.