How you document your searches may depend on the purpose of your searching and local practices and policies. The below resources are provided as options.
See Appendix 3 of the Centre for Reviews and Disseminations' guidance on describing searches in databases, internet searches, and conference proceedings. Example summaries of the search process are also provided.
This paper provides a 12 step framework for documenting searches for a publication. It is especially useful for practitioners new to publishing, nurse educators, and professional practice leaders. If you require access to the full text, please email the library at: asklibrary@nshealth.ca.
This paper outlines the use of Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) software to produce a database of searches carried out by a health sciences library. REDCap is a software that can be used for a variety of documentation and tracking purposes.
The PRESS guideline provides a set of recommendations concerning the information that should be used by librarians and other information specialists when they are asked to evaluate electronic search strategies.
