This document outlines best practices for effective database search strategies and bibliographic control in the Library and Information Science field. Key strategies include utilizing complete records, appropriate search terms, and proper indexing techniques for maximizing search result relevance. It also emphasizes creating organized bibliographies for improved access and identification of resources.

1. Best practices in Search
Strategy
BibliographY plan
LIS 601 Introduction to Reference and Information Services
Spring 2013
Dr. Diane Nahl
Library and Information Science Program
University of Hawaii

2. 2
10 Professional Strategies for
Database Search Strategy Success
1. Always get Long or Detailed or Full Format
or Complete record
1. AU= Browse mode (AU=Jacso, P)

3. 3
10 Professional Strategies for
Database Search Strategy Success
3. Use truncation or stemming for NL terms
3. Favor Default Fields in NL & CV Keyword
Mode [KW] searches:
1. EBSCO: Select a Field
2. ProQuest: All Fields ALL
3. Voyager: Basic: Keyword; Advanced

4. 4
10 Professional Strategies for
Database Search Strategy Success
5. Use Boolean because infrequent, colloquial, idiomatic, or
ungrammatical NL phrases are “statistically improbable
phrases” (SIPS), for example:
• “parent classroom” “parent volunteer classroom”
• “parents participation”
• “cult information”
• “weather changes” “feel bad weather” “feeling bad in weather”
5. Search terms match discipline and level of the database
• “bad weather” in magazine and popular sources vs. “atmospheric
conditions” in scientific and technical sources

5. 5
10 Professional Strategies for
Database Search Strategy Success
7. Limit use of Limiters:
• Over limiting eliminates relevant items
• TX theodore roszak AND DE Roszak, Theodore
• PT= Review
• TI= chronic fatigue syndrome
7. Search with NL as if it were CV to identify actual CV:
• Keyword search of CV field, e.g., SKEY in Voyager Advanced
• Search found CV in CV field (descriptor, index term, subject,
subject heading)
• DE awakening [ Subject Work: The Awakening]
• DE chronic fatigue syndrome [ Fatigue syndrome, Chronic]

6. 6
10 Professional Strategies for
Database Search Strategy Success
9. Searching CV as NL or as CV:
• CV as NL: environmental effects AND seasonal variations
• Search from within Thesaurus, click ADD terms to add CV strategy
• CV as CV: DE= environmental effects AND DE= seasonal variations
9.Notice sidebar links in results for useful CV:
• Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic-Treatment
• Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic-Therapy

7. 7
Search Strategy Exercise
Find an article on animal-assisted motivational therapy.
Database:
Search Strategy:

8. 8
Bibliographic Control
Bibliographic control includes the standardization of
bibliographic description and subject access by means
of uniform catalog code, classification systems, name
authorities, and preferred headings; the creation and
maintenance of catalogs, union lists, and finding aids;
and the provision of physical access to the items in the
collection.
(Cassell & Hiremath, 2013, p. 66, ODLIS, 2012)
ODLIS is the Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science

9. 9
Bibliographic Universe
• All published items
• Any format
• Any date
• Bibliographic records
• Catalog records
• Index entries
• Database and Web site records
• Bibliography entries
• Etc.

10. 10
Bibliographic Control
Sets the Standards for:
1. Access
2. Arrangement
3. Collocation
4. Name Authority Control
5. Subject Authority Control
6. Depth & Comprehensiveness of Indexing

11. 11
Bibliographic Goals
• Universal Bibliographic Control [UBC]
for
• Universal Bibliographic Access [UBA]
with
• Universal Bibliographic Description [UBD]

12. 12
Bibliography Defined
• Organized list or inventory of documents or
materials.
• Typical organization:
• Form
• Subject classification
• Chronological
• Alphabetical by author, title, subject, etc.
• Other (historical time period, genre, etc.)

13. 13
Purposes of Bibliography
• Control
• Access
• Identification
• Verification
• Selection

14. 14
Forms of Bibliography
• Bibliographic Utilities (OCLC WorldCat)
• Union Catalogs
• National Bibliographies
• Resource Directories (Ulrich’s Periodicals
Directory)

15. 15
Forms of Bibliography
• Periodical Indexes and Databases
• Guides to Reference Sources (GRB Guide
to Reference Books)
• Reference Book Reviews
• Annual Reviews
• Books in Print
• Amazon.com

16. 16
Bibliography Plan Analysis
1. Examine a paper or online copy of a 601
bibliography plan.
2. Examine the parts in terms of the checklist of
required parts on p.12 of the Assignment
Instructions.
3. Discuss how the author interpreted the
instructions.
4. Identify elements and approaches that appeal to
you.

17. 17
Bibliography Plan Outline
1. Topic and Scope
2. Audience
3. Useful Terms (NL)
4. Subject Headings and Descriptors
(CV)
5. Reference Sources and Databases

18. 18
Next Week
• Email your Bibliography Plan Outline
(Google document OK) by February 26
• Please do not send attachments!
• Paste the BP Outline directly into the body of
the email message or Google doc.
• Ch. 15; Handouts pp. 42-44 (Defusing
Conflict)