Strategies and Tactics for Searchers
In addition to learning about the information tools students need to learn
some search strategies and tactics.
Tactics
Keys to using various resources effectively
Examples
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Hill system for molecular formulas
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Dealing with chemical nomenclature
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Use synonym indexes ( Merck Index has synonyms)
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Be aware of Permuted names (toluene, trinitro)
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Be aware of which tools use common names vs. IUPAC vs. CAS
Strategies
Strategies are overall approaches which can be applied to any extensive
search problem
Examples:
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Choose the appropriate database for the job
If you need information on medical uses of taxol use Medline, if you
want to synthesize it; use CA
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Start with the easiest tools and work up.
If you can find a boiling point in the CRC Handbook, why use Beilstein?
If you can find a synthesis in Organic Syntheses, why look in Chemical
Abstracts?
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Find the keys which will unlock other tools.
Easy sources for finding Registry Numbers
Good synonym indexes
Search for review articles
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Registry #'s & Beilstein references in CRC Handbook, Aldrich Catalog
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Synonyms (and CA names) in Merck Index
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Add the word 'review' to your search strategy
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Use pearl growing or the iterative approach.
(Find something good, then build on it.)
Search the keywords or authors from that "good paper".
Look up the bibliography and build on it.
Do citation searches on the "good paper".
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Ask someone who knows!
A librarian
An expert in the field
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