Introduction to Searching as Strategic Exploration
Searching as Strategic Exploration is one of six core information literacy concepts highlighted in the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education (ACRL, 2016). For a quick introduction to the concept Searching as Strategic Exploration, watch the following video:
The transcript for this video is available: Searching as Strategic Exploration.
Concept Description
Searching for information is often nonlinear and iterative, requiring the evaluation of a range of information sources and the mental flexibility to pursue alternate avenues as new understanding develops.
Experienced researchers recognize that information searching is a contextualized and complex process that is influenced by cognitive, affective, and social factors. While novice learners may only use a limited number of search tools and strategies, experienced researchers are familiar with a broad range of search tools, and understand how these tools may vary in terms of scope, content and functionality. Experienced researchers can also use different search strategies and searching language appropriately.
Experienced searchers shape their search to fit the information need, rather than relying on the same strategies, search systems, and search language without regard for the context of the search. They also demonstrate patience and persistence while searching and recognize that they may need to revise their search multiple times as part of the normal search process.
Knowledge Practices
As students develop their understanding of this concept, here are some of the practices and skills they should develop:
- Determine the initial scope of the task required to meet their information needs
- Identify interested parties, such as scholars, organizations, governments, and industries, who might produce information about a topic and then determine how to access that information
- Utilize divergent (e.g., brainstorming) and convergent (e.g., selecting the best source) thinking when searching
- Match information needs and search strategies to appropriate search tools
- Design and refine needs and search strategies as necessary, based on search results
- Understand how information systems (i.e., collections of recorded information) are organized in order to access relevant information
- Use different types of searching language (e.g., controlled vocabulary, keywords, natural language) appropriately
- Manage searching processes and results effectively
Dispositions
As students develop their understanding of this concept, here are some of the habits or dispositions they should develop:
- Exhibit mental flexibility and creativity
- Understand that first attempts at searching do not always produce adequate results
- Realize that information sources vary greatly in content and format and have varying relevance and value, depending on the needs and nature of the search
- Seek guidance from experts, such as librarians, researchers, and professionals
- Recognize the value of browsing and other serendipitous methods of information gathering
- Persist in the face of search challenges, and know when they have enough information to complete the information task
To read the description of this concept in the Framework, go to: Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education.
Credits: This page was created by the Ohio State University Libraries. The Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education was published by the Association of College & Research Libraries. Some sections of the Framework have been copied verbatim, but others have been modified. Images are licensed from Adobe Stock, including: Business team searching for success y pishit; People taking documents from shelves, using magnifying glass and searching files in electronic database by Bro Vector; Information by Julien Eichinger.