Title: Selecting Keywords for a Topic
Course: Library - Library Sandbox > Section: Ontario Tech Library Online: Searching Omni for Books, Articles & More

Watch the video below to learn how to choose keywords for your topic.

"How to Choose Keywords" by McMaster University Libraries is licensed under CC BY 3.0

How to Choose Keywords - Transcript

Start with a Research Question or Topic

Sometimes you will start with a research question or topic.

For example:

- What are the benefits of online learning in higher education?

In Omni and other Library search tools, search using keywords instead of typing in an entire statement or questions. If you type a whole question, the search tool will try to match all of the words, including what, are, the, of, and in:

These words will not help you find books and articles on your topic.

Identifying Keywords

Before starting your search, identify the key concepts or keywords in your topic or research question. Keywords are usually nouns: people, places or things.

Our topic: What are the benefits of online learning in higher education?

Usually, 2-3 keywords are enough for a good search.

We could start with the following keywords:

- benefits
- "online learning"
- "higher education"

Synonyms

Consider that different authors use different words to express the same ideas. Think of synonyms for your keywords in case you have to use them to broaden your search.

- benefits, advantages
- "online learning," e-learning
- "higher education," post-secondary, university, college

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