søgestrategi

Søgestrategi, literally search strategy, is the planned method for locating information resources to answer a question or solve a problem. It combines defining the information need with systematic querying of information sources and critical evaluation of results. A good søgestrategi begins with clarifying the topic and the scope, identifying core concepts, and listing keywords, synonyms, translations, and related terms. Next, the search plan selects appropriate sources—academic databases, library catalogs, web search engines, and grey literature—and decides on search tools and syntax, including phrase searches, Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), wildcards, and field restrictions.

Query construction is iterative: you run initial searches, review top results, refine terms, and expand with synonyms or related concepts. Techniques like snowballing—checking references and citing papers—help extend coverage. Use filters for date, language, document type, and domain controls when possible. Maintain a search log and, where relevant, set alerts to capture new material.

Assessment focuses on relevance, credibility, and quality: check abstract and methodology, consider potential biases, and verify data sources. Finally, document the search strategy so the process is reproducible. Søgestrategi is central in research, information retrieval, and decision-making, and it adapts to different disciplines, languages, and tools.