Creating a Search Journal

Learning about library research is an ongoing and dynamic process. We find that students and faculty often find having a search journal a helpful tool for this process. Using a search journal as a regular reflective process deepens and informs your process. What works? What doesn't?  With each journalling session you can reflect on your research process, weaving together practical discoveries with your own insights and state of mind.

The journal can take any form that works: a small handmade journal for each assigned paper, a binder full of paper, a Word document, or a Google Doc that you open and maintain every time you are online.

We suggest you follow a few helpful tips if you are starting a search journal for the first time:

The most important thing is to journal about what is useful to you. If you make it a natural part of your research, you will find that searching becomes easier.  What is the search process like for you? What are you learning from it? 

Be sure to document both useful keywords and keywords that proved to be deadends. What are their definitions and are they part of the language of a particular field? You may want to create a mindmap of terms you discover so that you can see where there may be patterns or gaps.

Document relevant authors you discover along the way. They may be future peers if this becomes your area of expertise. You can watch who cites these authors for additional good content. 

Track journal titles that address your topic. You can return to these journals when you find you want to keep up with new articles in this area.

Keep a list of databases or websites that yielded the best scholarship. You may want to use them again.