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Search the Literature

Instruction for building a search strategy, recording searches and managing results.

How Do I Record Searches and Manage My Results?


For all searches, you will need to sort through results and identify what you most need.

This may be done informally for simple and very quick searches. For more intermediate level searches that may be shared with others or take repeated sessions, there are tools you can use to help you track searches and results.

Saved Searches & Alerts

Almost all databases have a way to save searches and individual sets of results in folders for you to return to later. In some databases, you can also set up alerts on saved searches, so you will be emailed when new results are added to the database.

To use these features you must create a personal account directly with the database. You can ask a librarian for help with this.

Search Spreadsheet

You can set up a search document for yourself. Below is a template and a filled out example with directions.

This strategy is best for searches you need to share with a faculty member or other researcher, but it can also help you for assignments when you must report on your search strategy.

EndNote

EndNote is a citation management program where you can save all your relevant search results, sort them, attach and annotate the PDFs, and then output formatted AMA or APA citations.

All Roseman students and residents should have EndNote on their Roseman issued laptop. If you do not have it, contact the IT help desk.

Get started using EndNote by visiting the library's EndNote guide. Contact a librarian for more training or assistance.