1. Advanced Searching Strategies Walden University Library

2. Introductions! • Your hosts • Michelle Hajder (speaking) • Lisa Raymond (chatting) • QUESTIONS? • Type them in the“Questions” pane

3. This presentation will use browser sharing • When sharing is enabled, this PowerPoint will be replaced with a view of my web browser • You will be able to watch me click, search, use the databases, etc. • You will not be able to interact with the browser • GoToWebinar menu buttons will remain on the left side of the page

4. Keyword search in context • Subject Indexes • Boolean Operators • Meta-searching • Compared to subject-specific databases • Searching Q & A

5. Computers…still not all that bright • Search engines have gotten better, but no online tool is anywhere near as smart as you • Computers don’t know much about context • Search engines are “literal minded” – what you put in is what you get out

6. 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…

7. I ♡ Subject 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

8. Boolean Operators – a quick review • 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

9. Metasearching • Using one tool to search many different databases • Pro: Increases the breadth of your search • Con: May decrease your ability to refine searches with accuracy

10. Review • Keyword search: the issue of context • Subject Headings: explore terms • Boolean operators: complex searches • Meta-searching vs. specific databases • Searching Q & A

11. Searching Q & A • No need to “raise hand” • We will take questions in order. It may take a minute to get to yours • Some questions will be answered aloud if they are relevant for everyone, some via chat if they require a personal answer.

12. ASK – A – LIBRARIAN library@waldenu.edu 800-930-0914 Thank you!