C o n s t r u c t i n g a S e a r c h S t r a t e g y
25
T
here are three simple steps in constructing a search strategy:
·
Pose the Question
·
Identify the Main Subjects
·
Determine How to Search the Main Subjects
The first step in designing a search strategy is the creation of a specific yet
comprehensive statement that expresses all the elements of your search.
Once you have identified the main subjects, it is fairly easy to select appropriate
Concept Codes, Biosystematic Codes, Super Taxa and subject terms, choose specific
fields and build a strategy.
E x a m p l e :
What information on the biological control of insects by Bacillus thuringiensis w a s
published recently in English?
Select the important ideas to be searched.
A .
Biological control of insects
B .
Bacillus thuringiensis
C .
E n g l i s h
Check the BIOSIS Search Guide to determine how these subject areas should be
s e a r c h e d .
A .
The first main subject is biological control. Consult the Master Index of the
BIOSIS Search Guide under biological control and you will see that there is a
Concept Code, indicating that this topic represents a broad subject area. Choose
the code for Economic Entomology - Biological Control (CC60014). This Con-
cept Code also embodies the second main topic, i n s e c t s.
MASTER INDEX
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL, ENTOMOLOGICAL
CC: BIOLOGICAL CONTROL, ENTOMOLOGICAL
Economic Entomology-Biological Control
CC60014 (10160)
C o n s t r u c t i n g a
S e a r c h S t r a t e g y
Check the BIOSIS Search
G u i d e to determine how
subject areas should be
s e a r c h e d .
v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v
1 Pose the Question
2 Identify the Main Subjects
3 Determine How to Search the Main Subjects
