1. Identify search terms. What keywords (key concepts, specific terminology, related terms (synonyms, narrower or broader terms) can we use to search for information on this topic?

Example: for "climate change" your additional search terms might include,  
precipitation, temperature, "extreme weather events"

• Your first set of search terms are main concepts in your research question/topic. 
  • For MOST databases, use &, OR, NOT to connect your keywords, enclose exact phrases in “  “.
• Start with a broad & simple search, then refine as you find relevant resources.

Experiment 

• Try searching with synonyms or related terms. This may include broader terms, narrower terms, related terms, and antonyms, i.e. “clean air” OR pollution.
• As you review search results, examine the titles and abstracts for alternative search terms, phrases & subject headings. Subject headings are standardized terms assigned to articles and books using the Library of Congress subject headings, or database specific subject headings.

2. Consider your information needs. Who else is interested in this topic? Scholars? Organizations? The public? Government?  Are there specific perspectives you want to include? How do those interested in this topic share their knowledge?

3. Consider the sources, source types and evidence you need might need. What databases or search tools are most relevant to the types of sources or evidence you need?

Vassar Library Search is a great starting point for books and articles. Also see Vassar's A-Z database list for database recommendations (see Best Bets) for Departments/Programs and Database (Source) Types.