2.4 Select an appropriate tool


Identify and obtain information
	2.1 Define your search terms
	2.2 An example search strategy
	2.3 Search strategies
	2.4 Select an appropriate tool
		2.4.1 Library catalogues
		2.4.2 Databases
		2.4.3 Internet
	2.5 Keep up to date


	Glossary

In 1.7 Types of publications, you were encouraged to consider the types of publication you need.

The following table provides examples of tools you would use to identify and obtain various publication types.

Publication type	Search tool (where to find it)
Reference material	Library catalogues Internet search tools
Books	Library catalogues Internet search tools
Periodicals (journals, newspapers, magazines)	Databases – to identify an article Library catalogues – to obtain the article Internet search tools – sometimes available in full text for free
Conference proceedings	Databases – to identify an article Library catalogues – to obtain the article Internet search tools – sometimes available in full text for free
Legislation	Library catalogues Databases Internet search tools
Standards	Library catalogues Databases Internet search tools
Audiovisual material	Library catalogues Databases Internet search tools
Web pages	Internet search tools

Let's look at some of these tools in more detail.