Search strategies - identifying keywords

1. Write down your topic

"Discuss the legal issues of native title with particular reference to native title rights and interests. Refer to relevant legislation such as the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and relevant case law such as the Yorta Yorta case."

2. Identify your search terms (keywords & phrases)

Underline the important words. The four main words and phrases from our topic are:

• Native title
• Native title rights and interests
• Native Title Act 1993 (Cth)
• Yorta

Keywords, also known as search terms, can include single words or phrases. For example: "native title" is a phrase. The database looks for this exact sequence of words. Phrases are often, but not always, encased in quotation marks to indicate it is a phrase. See search tips, or Help, within each database for further information.

Search terms can also include case names or sections of an act. For example, if we want to find information on the case Members of the Yorta Yorta Aboriginal Community v State of Victoria, a search term could be: Yorta.

A further example would be if we want to find information on Section 223 of the Native Title Act 1993, a search term could be s 223 and native title.

See search tips within each database for details on searching by section number.

Alternative keywords

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Revised: 13-Sep-2011 13:38
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