Two Kinds of Searches: Known Item vs. Topic

Regardless of format, all searches may be categorized as either a known item search or a topic search. This distinction is important because the search will be most effectively conducted in different ways.

• A known item search is when you are looking for a specific book, article, journal, Web site, or video, etc.
• A topic search is when you are not looking for a particular item, but are looking for something about a particular subject area.