What are some good strategies for searching?
The first strategy we recommend is to narrow your focus: choose a specific database that provides the information you need. For instance, if you are in Mr. Raymond’s debate class, you probably want the Opposing Viewpoint Resource Center. If you aren’t sure, spend a moment reading each database’s description so you choose the one that will work best for you.
The second thing to remember is to use specific keywords. Using a general keyword at first, then narrowing it down by “search these results” or the advanced search features will get you much more focused results. Remember, this is not like a general web search–you do not need to ask a question like “What is the story behind the constellation Andromeda?”; you will do better searching for “constellation Andromeda” and perhaps focusing it within the results with “mythology”. If you get stuck, try different keywords before giving up!
Finally, check all the category tabs–you may find something lurking in the subcategories that will be helpful. Spending a few more minutes on InfoTrac might seem frustrating; but unless you are an experienced website surfer, you will nearly always get better results from a monitored database than you will from a random website.
