The information retrieval process

The information retrieval process can be divided into different stages:

1. Formulate a search query
   

   Start by defining what you want to know. A well-defined query will help you focus your search.
   
   

2. Choosing keywords
   

   Identify the most important words in your question. Use synonyms and similar terms to capture more matches.
   
   

3. Selecting sources
   

   Decide which databases, library catalogs, or other resources to use. Different sources can provide different types of information. What material do you need? Scientific articles, books or maybe news articles?
   
   

4. Conducting the search

   Use your keywords and sources to find relevant information. Be sure to document your searches so that you can return to them if necessary.
   
   

5. Evaluate sources
   

   Review the sources you find to ensure that they are reliable and relevant to your work. Look at factors such as the author's credibility, publication date, and the origin of the source.
   
   

6. Reporting the search
   

   In some cases, it may be necessary to document and report how you conducted your search. Read in your assignment about what is required.

The information retrieval process is more than search techniques, databases and being source critical. It is also about frustration, finding right away, finding nothing, finding too much. Emotions are not to be forgotten when you are looking for information at the university level. Here is a short film that describes different emotions that you may experience while you are searching for information and working on a text, perhaps a take-home exam or a degree project. It's like a roller coaster, you just have to ride along!

Can AI be used, and if so, how?

Read more about information retrieval with Generative AI