Advantages and Disadvantages of Keyword Searching

Keyword searching has many advantages:

• Because keyword searching finds words in so many places, you don't have to guess the words used in the subject headings.
• Keyword searching also retrieves words from the notes and abstract field, which frequently give information on parts of the whole (such as chapters in a book).
• Keyword searching allows for a more focussed search strategy, so you can search more specifically on your exact topic.

Keyword searching also has a couple disadvantages:

• Effective keyword searching requires some training and practice in using the search protocols.
• It is possible with keyword searches to retrieve some records that are not on your topic.

Generally, unless you are looking for information about a person, keyword searching is recommended when looking for information on a topic.