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 use our Document Delivery service.
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.
