The basic query is normally executed in all fields of the search tool used. The optimized query will seek to target fields, such as the field of subject descriptors, abstract, or title and to adequately use the limitations relating to the years of publications, geography, language, type of document, etc. The improvement of the query will be done according to the number of results obtained with the base query.

If the basic query had provided too many results:

• Use exact phrase search (quotes) if you haven't already done so;
• Check that truncation is not applied to too small a character string;
• Target the query in particular fields such as the subject, author, title or abstract field;
• Limit the results to more recent years, to the type of documents (e.g.: peer review, literature review), to a more precise geographic region (if this criterion is relevant), to the language of the documents (if you do not read not Russian, German…);
• Add a concept or specify those present.

If the basic query had provided few results:

• Pay attention to spelling mistakes, they are often the first culprits;
• One of the concepts probably has too restrictive an effect;
  • Can this concept be retired? Can it be formulated more generally?
  • In particular, question geographical limits: they can be very restrictive. For example, limiting yourself to the town of Lac-Mégantic is too restrictive. Documents relating to the safety of oil transportation in Quebec, Canada, or even anywhere, may be of interest
• Concepts may lack important keyword equivalents;
  • Search in reference works if this step had been neglected during the development of the concept plan
  • Carefully analyze relevant results that have been spotted to identify new keywords to exploit
• Use truncation if you haven't already;
• The source consulted may not be the best choice… Check with a  librarian .