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Science - First Year Students Library Support: Language for Science

Steps in Online Searching

To write your Lab Report/Assignment you need to find useful and relevant information. 

Google is NOT THE ONLY place to search

The UJ Library provides support, resources, and solutions to your research problem

Developing an effective search is an important part of this process.

You need to think of the various Steps in Online Searching – from places to search to resources to find, to writing & referencing

Step 1: Think about your research topic.

"Sustainable Farming Methods"

Step 2: Identify the main keywords and concepts

Example keywords: sustainable farming and South Africa; sustainable food; smallholder farmers; etc. 

Step 3: Locate and Access Resources

Science LibGuides resources can provide sufficient access to Library resources for your topics 

Step 4: Search for: 

  - Print & Online Books  

  - Dictionaries and Encyclopedias

  - Journal articles

  - Newspapers

Step 5: Make use of Boolean Techniques (AND, OR, NOT) when conducting a search

Step 6: Write your report. Ensure that you acknowledge your Resources (Cite & Reference)

Language for Science: Library Training evaluation - Please complete!