Basic Principles of Literature Searching

Abstract

Initially, the literature searcher should have a clear conception of the precise subject of his search, the time interval and sources to be covered, and the ultimate use of the information. Use of prior bibliog raphies often simplifies a search. Headings to be checked in subject indexes must be selected with care for each index examined, as subject headings vary in different indexes. The searcher must be discrimi nating in the selection of references and in estab lishing the point at which the search should be ter minated. Presentation of results may vary depending on what form will be of most value to the reader.Some of the fundamental rules for searching technical literature may seem so obvious that any searcher would surely heed them. Yet beginners often ignore them. Even experienced searchers sometimes neglect them, perhaps from overconfidence.The funda mental rules are presented, not as a sermon with a stern decalog of thou-shalt-nots, but as a pentalog which searchers might well engrave on a jeweled breastplate, worn even in sleep.Draw clear boundary lines, and work within them.Seek first the work of prior bibliographers. Fit word-keys in advance to the locks guarding information. Stay on the beam of actual (rather than apparent) pertinence, persisting only as long as persistence is profitable.Adapt the presentation to the intended use. Establishment of Boundary Lines of SubjectBoundary lines are essential, not only for subject coverage but also for the time period, source coverage, and even the uses the information is to serve. The searcher must dis cipline himself to formulate his interests exactly. When he is instructing a professional searcher as to the requirements, accurate statement is all the more important. The temptation to proceed from quick-and-easy but fuzzy premises is strong and must be resisted. Professional searchers should question inquirers patiently until the boundary is clear. Inquirers should respond with equal care and patience, making sure the record is straight before the search begins. Often an inquirer is not clear in his own mind until the question-and-answer session blows away the mists.As to time period, patent searches set the most exact limits. To find what U. S. patents are now in force the search goes back exactly 17 years. For anticipation it starts with the beginning of the art, but ends one year before the filing date of the questioned application or patent, since the inventor has a year after the disclosure date in which to file. Other considerations permit or impose other time limits. Searchers are some times asked to consider only the live literature, which may mean anything from a year to a generation in age, according to whether the art is burgeoning or slow-moving. 438 Downloaded by UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA on October 12, 2015 |