This section highlights key steps in developing a search strategy.
Need additional in-depth tips for each part of the search development process? Check our Comprehensive Searching Guide.
Working with a team on a systematic or scoping review? Check our Systematic & Scoping Reviews Guide.
Key things to remember:
- The search process is NEVER straightforward, and will always be iterative
- The words you use in your initial search strategy will evolve based on what you find
- Your research question may even evolve based on your first few search attempts
- Don't assume that there isn't anything on your research topic - try searching another database, or brainstorming more search terms, or removing limits (e.g. time period, geography, etc)
- Of course, feel free to ask a librarian when you encounter a bump in the search process - we're happy to help!
