Becoming an Expert Searcher

For more information or to schedule this course, please contact Terry Jankowski <terryj@uw.edu>.

What constitutes an expert search? Who can be an expert searcher? This face-to-face class looks at these questions & practices techniques (reference interview, database analysis, search construction, and search evaluation) used by expert searchers. Learn tips & tricks for searching and create a self-study plan to hone your skills.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, the participant will be able to:

*List the components of the expert search process;

*Conduct a search interview to collect the information needed to perform a successful database search;

*Analyze and describe a database’s structure and unit record;

*Develop a search strategy in response to a request including ideas for alternative search strategies and improving search results;

*Create a plan for maintaining and improving search skills.

Agenda

8:00 am - 10:00 am – discussion, lecture, role-playing
Introductions
Defining the expert searcher
Components of the expert search process
Pre-search Interview

10:00 am - 10:15 am - break

10:15 am - 12:00 p.m. – lecture, hands-on
Database Selection & Analysis
Request Analysis
Search Construction 
MEDLINE & MeSH

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch

1:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. – lecture, hands-on
MEDLINE & MeSH continued
Search Techniques for PubMed MEDLINE
Practice Exercises

3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. - break

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. – discussion, lecture, writing assignment
Review Exercises
Improving Search Results
Supporting Systematic Reviews
Keeping Current
Wrap-up, evaluation & certificates

4.5 Hour version

Pre-reading:	30 min
Watch your Keys to Successful Searching – MLA Webinar - 90 min
Watch NLM video on indexing – 15 min
Complete (and send to me) – vocabulary & search exercises – 90 min
Webinar with Terry – 45 min
Review exercises 
Discuss how to improve searches 
Systematic review discussion 
Q&A -

Facility Requirements

Internet access with 1 computer per student (or wireless and each student brings individual computer), easel & flipchart, projector for use with instructor's laptop, screen. A computer lab works well.

MLA CE Credits: 4, 4.5, or 8

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