Subject search strategies
User search strategies are inevitably shaped by the ways information can be accessed; either searching for a known item where the author, title or other information is available or searching on a specific subject of interest. Users undertake such searches by:
- Browsing subject indexes
- Entering precise subject heading terms
- Browsing via subject classifications
Subject access to online bibliographic databases is a complex process involving a number of components which must work together efficiently for successful subject retrieval i.e.:
- The database application
- Languages used for subject analysis
- Local policy and practice
- User input and responses
- Hardware and software enabling users to interact with the system