How to Search the Literature (Advanced)

Managing search strategies and results is an important step in the literature search process. Both provide a record of what you have done and what you have found. This is critical if you are working on a knowledge synthesis project (e.g. systematic review, practice guideline) or anticipate re-running your searches in future.

Details in the search history (e.g. subject headings, keywords, number of retrieved records, database name) are essential for writing the Methods section of a publication. 

Tips for Managing Search Strategies:

• Create an account in a database and save your search strategy

  • In the Ovid platform remember to include the name of the database as part of the saved name or comment field for clarity.

• Email, export, print, or save to file the search history

  • It's best that you do this on the same day you export the results.

Good practice: Record the date of export in your search strategy history and note the total number of records retrieved from each database.

Tips for Managing Search Results:

• Use citation software tools (e.g. EndNote, Mendeley, Zotero, RefWorks)

• Use knowledge synthesis management software (e.g. DistillerSR, Rayyan, Covidence) 

  • You can create a Covidence account free of charge here

Recommendation: Screen the results outside of the database to handle duplicates effectively.  

Choosing the Right Tool:

When selecting citation or knowledge synthesis software, consider:

• Does it allow collaboration or sharing with team members?

• Can you create folders and subfolders?

• Can you manage multiple projects?

• Does it link to McMaster's full-text resources?

• What is the storage capacity?

• Does it allow duplicate removal?

For more information on citation software tools, see the LibGuide to Citation Management Software.