SEARCHING

Paula Wolfe
Architecture Librarian
University of Arizona
520.626.9434
wolfep@u.library.arizona.edu

Finding materials can be confusing even if you know where to look (Materials and Where Do I Look). The general topic may be a great idea for a paper, but a poorly worded search term. When beginning your research, make a list of the possible terms you think might be useful. Remember that a term that is too broad, will deliver too much material and much of it will be of no use to you. A term that is too narrow, will deliver very limited material, or none.

"Architecture" is too broad.

"Houses" is too broad.

"Los Angeles mansions designed by famous architects in 1950" is too narrow.

"Architect-designed houses" will limit the search and get useful results.

Online databases and the Library's catalog will suggest subject terms. Each library also has The Library of Congress Subject Headings (the big red books), which are useful in developing a search strategy.

Sometimes it is just a matter of rearranging the words. In a recent search for "coastal resorts," I found that the better search term was "resorts seaside."

I CAN'T FIND ENOUGH

Look at the subject headings or terms suggested in the citations that you did find. They might give you ideas for other terms to use. Look at bibliographies or referenced work in books or articles that you found and follow those leads.

STOP! I HAVE 3,000,000 HITS

Narrow your topic. Look at the first 20 items returned, find one that seems to be what you are looking for, and look at the suggested subject headings or search terms. It will give you ideas on what to use so that you find only what you need.

Library catalogs and online databases work differently than most Web pages. What works in a search engine, may not work in the Library catalog, and vice versa.

Stay flexible, don't give up, and don't hesitate to ask a librarian for assistance if you have trouble locating materials.

Up next, Interlibrary Loan. Of course, you can always return to Choosing Your Topic, Materials, or Where Do I Look.

Research Methods