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Join Nykol Eystad and Sommer Berg in this informative live webinar as they explore effective searching strategies to enhance your research experience at Walden University Library. Learn about the importance of keyword searching, the use of indexing, subject headings, and Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to refine and improve your search results. Understand the limitations of search engines and how to overcome them for more efficient information retrieval. This session is archived for later viewing, ensuring you can revisit these essential strategies anytime.
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Searching Strategies Walden University Library
Introductions! • Nykol Eystad (speaking) • Sommer Berg (chatting) • QUESTIONS? • Type them in the “Questions” box
This presentation is a live webcast of my computer • I’ll switch between PowerPoint and the Internet so you can watch me search databases • You will not be able to interact (click, scroll, type, etc.) with the browser • GoTo Webinar menu buttons will stay on the right side of your screen • This webinar will be archived for later viewing
Agenda • Computers can’t think • Keyword searching in context • Indexes and Subject Headings • Boolean Operators (AND, OR, NOT) • Q & A
Computers can’t think • Search engines have gotten better, but no search tool is as smart as you • Computers don’t understand the context or meaning of human language • Search engines are “literal minded” – what you put in is what you get out Nonprofit Nonprofit Nonprofit Not for profit
When searching for “pop”… You find: You miss: Soda Coke Pop Soft Drinks Soda Pop Pop Music Mom & Pop Corner Stores
Keyword searching • Keyword searching – the default almost anywhere – will look “everywhere” for your search terms, including: author names, summaries and sometimes even full text of an article (or book or website, etc.) • Keyword searching ignores context – unless we tell it otherwise…
I ♡ Indexes • Sometimes a successful search is all about finding the right word or phrase to describe your topic • Subject indexes can be an invaluable tool for searching on a topic
Boolean Operators • AND • Will only return results with both terms • Always makes a search more specific – fewer results • OR • Either term is OK, they don’t have to appear together • Always broadens your search – more results • NOT • Will not return search results that have the term listed after “NOT” • Good for narrowing searches; getting rid of results you don’t want
Review • Keyword search: the issue of context • Subject Headings: explore terms • Boolean operators: complex searches