Chapter 2: Searching
2.10 Troubleshooting Common Search Issues
Research is complicated and searching does not always yield immediate results. This page focuses on identifying and resolving common search challenges like irrelevant results, outdated content, and inaccessible web pages. The following tips and key definitions related to searching challenges will help you troubleshoot effectively and enhance your overall search strategy.
Common Searching Issues and Tips
Small mistakes, like a spelling error, can lead to significant differences in search results. Consider what would happen if you searched for the word collage instead of college. Sometimes the issue is larger, like you’re using the wrong search tool. Searching ERIC, an education database for information about the American Revolution might yield you some lesson plan ideas but you’re not likely to find historical analysis. Consider some other common issues and recommended tips.
Issue: Your search results are too broad and you have way too many sources to go through.
Troubleshooting Tip: Use search operators to target your query more effectively. For example, if you are overwhelmed with irrelevant results, use NOT to exclude unwanted terms.
Issue: Your search results are outdated or irrelevant to your topic.
Troubleshooting Tip: Apply filters that are available in a database to limit your results. Filters allow you to specify publication dates or a date range and format of an information source.
Issue: Difficulty finding specialized or academic results.
Troubleshooting Tip: Use Advanced Search settings on tools like Google or NKU databases to pinpoint specific content.
Issue: You are confused over search syntax or overly complex queries.
Troubleshooting Tip: Simplify your search using Boolean logic, starting with basic combinations. For example, “climate change” AND “policy”.
Issue: When searching Google, the original page you want to view is unavailable or has been removed.
Troubleshooting Tip: In the Google search results, click the three dots next to the URL. You will see information about the page, including an option to learn more. This will lead you to a link to view previous versions of the page on the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine.
For additional help, check out the FAQ page at Steely Library for answers to commonly asked questions or reach out to a Steely librarian.
Should I ask a librarian?
Key Definitions to Understand for Troubleshooting
These terms are foundational to understanding and addressing common search challenges.
- Advanced Search: Features on search platforms (including databases at Steely Library) that help the user refine searches by applying multiple criteria simultaneously.
- Cached pages: Saved snapshots of web pages stored by search engines.
- Filters: Options available in a database to narrow results using criteria like date, language, or type of source
- Search operators: Special commands you can apply in a database to refine search results. Examples include AND, OR, NOT (boolean operators) and the use of quotation marks.