4. Overall Search Strategy

With all these resources and strategies it can be confusing choosing which ones to use. The key resources which you should be able to use are:

• Library OPAC
• Any relevant CD-ROM
• BIDS ISI, IBSS, Compendex, BL Inside Information (depending on subject speciality)
• A Web search engine (e.g. currently Alta Vista seems to be the best)

This is also the order in which, other things being equal, you should access the resources when trying to find things.

Other general points to note:

• if you get stuck try the list of hints and tips in Section 6.1
• remember not to confine yourself to a particular strategy or resource
• record your actions. Not only does this help others (e.g. Library staff) to help you but it can also justify time spent on your search. If you have been asked to find items which aren't there then you need evidence to explain why you haven't found them.
• when dealing with online sources you can copy & paste and save to disk most of the things you are reading