3.1 Assess your search results

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In Module 2: Identify and obtain information we looked at developing a search strategy. In most cases, you need to try a few different search strategies before you find the most effective for you.

To determine whether you need to revise your search strategy, appraise your search results for:

• quantity
• quality
• relevance

Quantity

Look at the number of records that have been returned.

Ask yourself:

• Is the number manageable?
• Are there too many records to sift through? Not enough?

You should not have to spend hours sifting through hundreds of records. Revising your search strategy is more efficient.

Quality

Examine the bibliographic information contained in the record.

Ask yourself:

• Who is the author? Has your lecturer, tutor or background reading mentioned this author?
• Is it up to date? Does it need to be? Are recent developments covered?
• If the record is for a periodical article, what is the title of the journal? Is it well known? Is it scholarly?

Relevance

Read the table of contents, abstract or summary.

Ask yourself:

• Does the information sound relevant?
• Who is the intended audience?
• Information aimed at the general public or secondary school students may not be appropriate for university level work.
• Information aimed at researchers may be too specialised for your needs.
• Does the information suit your needs?
• Is the type of publication useful for your assignment?
• Is the information comprehensive enough?
• Does the information express a particular point of view?

Look at the subject terms that have been assigned to the record.

Ask yourself:

• Do they seem relevant?
• Are they central or peripheral to your topic?
• Are they the same as other sources you have found useful?

Do you need to revise your search strategy?