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Information seeking

How to get the most out of your information searches for your assignment/project.

Five steps for information seeking

Here are five key steps:

Step 1: Identify the key concepts in the problem you want to investigate

Which words and phrases will be relevant to proceed with?
Clarify your concepts with your teacher or supervisor.
Create an overview of words and phrases.

Step 2: Define your search terms

Get inspiration for keywords or search terms: Make use of handbooks, dictionaries, subject lists, subject literature.
Make a list of search terms based on your research question.
Find all potential synonyms - both in Danish and English.
Get help from a chatbot to find good search terms. Ask the chatbot to suggest synonyms or related terms. Consider and critically consider whether the search terms suggested by the chatbot are relevant and adequate for your topic. Use them as inspiration.

Step 3: Find relevant sources

Check your subject guide.
The subject guides on library.au.dk cover the degree programs that are taught at AU.
Each subject guide consists of selected resources for the different subject areas.
Use our resources page.
Search for more resources in the database list.
Also, explore sources based on AI technology.

Step 4: Think about and construct your search for each source

- query language and search facilities can vary for different sources

Use our search tips.
Check out Studypedia - here you can find more guidelines for information searches, literature searches and the academic writing process.
Take a look at our short videos on how to register as a library user and how to search in our library system and databases.

Step 5: Evaluate your search result

Adjust and perform another search.
Don't forget that information seeking and literature search for your assignment is an iterative process, which is to say that you adapt and repeat searches as you gain new knowledge and a better insight into the problem.

Good advice

Do not avoid your information search tasks, set aside some time for this as a part of the writing process.
Use your lecturer, supervisor or librarian for help and clarification.
Please be targeted and systematic - make a search strategy.
Search in different ways for different purposes: For inspiration, for facts, for documentation or for perspective-setting.
Always remember to state your sources.
Always check your academic rules and regulations for special requirements when handling sources.
Be consistent in your source references: Write them in the same way every time.
Take a critical approach to your sources: Always assess the credibility and usefulness.

Do you need a course?

Would you like to improve your information searches. See if we are offering a course.

Ask the library

Ask the library. Write, call or just drop by and get some help.

Read more

Guide to information seeking (in Danish). Help in preparing, carrying out and documenting information searches. A document created by AU Library, Katrinebjerg.
AU Studypedia. A study tool you can use when writing assignments, making literature searches and other study-related issues.
Academic Information Seeking - an online course that includes tuition in search strategies, evaluation and the documentation of your search results.
Video guides on how to search and request materials from det Kgl. Bibliotek/Royal Danish Library. Short videos on how to search the library system, how to request a book etc.

Revised 08.07.2024