Basics of Information Search

Better search results through planning

Do you need to research a specific topic more thoroughly? In that case it is best to take a moment to plan the search with the help of the following:

• The search function in MetCat Finna and other databases often works slightly differently than in Google.
• So DO NOT write your search as a complete sentence or enter all search terms directly into one search box.
• Individual words and word combinations describing the topic will provide a more accurate search result!

Analyse the topic!

What are the central concepts?

• What are the components of your topic? The problem to be solved, desired result, target group, etc.
• Is the topic connected to a wider frame of reference?
• Remember to consider alternatives: Can you express your central concepts in another way? For example, the words user-driven, customer-driven and customer-oriented complement each other well.

How to find appropriate search terms?

• You should start with the professional terminology used in your field. You can find examples of it in published studies.
• MetCat Finna and other similar online services use subject headings to describe the central content of material. You can make your information retrieval more effective by using them in your search. 

• Subject headings are available in separate subject heading lists. 
• If you find an interesting source, make use of it! Table of contents, summaries and references can provide good ideas for search terms.
• Searching for international research is mainly carried out in English. You can use the MOT dictionary to come up with English search terms.