A search strategy is a systematic plan for tracking down sources. To create a search strategy appropriate for your research question, it may help to consult a reference librarian and take a look at your library’s website, which will give you an overview of available resources.

Whether it is your first or fiftieth time writing a research paper, you may initially feel overwhelmed by the number of resources available to you both in print and online. Instead of turning immediately to a popular search engine like Google, step back and think about the best way to find the right information for your purpose.

No single search strategy works for every topic. For some topics, it may be useful to search for information in newspapers, magazines, and websites. For others, the best sources might be found in scholarly journals, books, and specialized reference works. Still other topics might be enhanced by field research—interviews, surveys, or observation.