Use the following steps to analyse and manage search results found in SuperSearch, databases and e-journal collections or any of the other search platforms included in this guide.

Check how your results have been sorted

• Usually the default order is by relevance, but you can change this to publication date or times cited.
• These options will vary in each different platform.

Review the number of results

• If there are a lot of results you might need to refine (narrow) your search using more specific keywords or the refining options provided by the database or e-resource.
• If there are not enough results, broaden your search by adding keywords or try a cited reference search.
• For help to narrow or broaden your search, take a look at the ANU Library topic analysis guide.

Assess if an article is relevant by reading through the abstract

• The abstract should summarise the article and help you determine whether you should read the full text of the article. 

Download relevant full text articles and materials

• Look for the PDF icon or link.
• If there is no download link, look for the Find it at ANU option.

Apply reading strategies to maximise your time

• Learn how to read with a purpose.
• Look at the reading strategies guide from ANU Academic Skills.

Organise your research

• Save or export selected citations to keep an accurate record for your referencing or bibliography.