How to Read Critically
Consider currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose (CRAAP) when evaluating information resources used in academic work. Click the graphic below to read more.
Common Search Techniques
Some tips when searching in library databases:
Use quotation marks around phrases and search terms to search for the words as a phrase in the exact order you would like.
Use the field options to search for your terms
If you have too many results:
- Add in additional search terms
- Limit to peer-reviewed journals
- Limit by date
- Limit by subject
- Limit to items with full-text availability
If you have too few results:
- Check spelling and make corrections
- Erase unnecessary search terms
- Try different search terms
- Use the Boolean operator "OR" between search terms
- Remove any limits you may have added in an earlier search
For more information, see the Searching Techniques PowerPoint below.
- Searching Techniques PPT illustrating various searching examples
Types of Information
Major categories of information:
- Primary and Secondary Sources
- Academic, Popular and Trade Publications
- Scholarly and Peer-Reviewed Journals
- Grey Literature
- Clinical Trials
- Evidence-Based Treatment
- Statistics
- Datasets