Skip to Main Content

Help, Guides and Instructions: Searching and Discovery

This Research Guide helps patrons of the NWC Library make the most of their library experience by introducing important electronic resources and collections available to them. It serves as a starting place to learn how to use the library online search too

Searching as Strategic Exploration

Searching and Exploration

Searching for information begins with keywords and keyword phrases on a topic, being open to emerging and adjacent terms, and searching print and digital collections to find materials in support of the topic.  According the the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), this process can be considered as exploration. The exploration involves flexibility, creativity, analysis, understanding, and management. This section is based upon frame 6 of ACRL's document, "Searching as Strategic Exploration." This information is intended as a building block to assist in the structure of research. 

Association of College and Research Libraries, Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education (Chicago: ALA, 2015)

Information Literacy

Search Operators

Producers of Information

Information Systems

Managing Search Results

Keywords

Scope of Research