Keywords, or search terms, are the words we use to find information in library resources. They convey the main concepts of your topic.
Effective keywords are short and specific, and can be combined to focus a search.
Examples of effective keywords could be words like, "Public opinion," "funding," "public education."
Examples of ineffective keywords could be full sentences such as, "What is the impact of a lack of funding on public schools?" or vague words like "effects" or "influences."
If you are unsure what keywords might be the most effective for your topic, consider these What, Who, How questions:
- What words do you associate with your topic?
- What fields of study would be interested i it?
- Who are the people involved in your topic?
- Who creates it? Who is affected by it? Who does or does not benefit from it?
- How does this impact broader society?
- How does this impact those who aren't directly involved?
