The specialist cannot effectively search for alternatives without a basic understanding of the type of research the investigator is proposing. The most efficient means of communicating is a direct dialogue between the investigator and the information specialist. A third party should not be used to convey information. Investigators can assist information specialists by being prepared to give precise and specific information about their research or testing procedures. Briefly describe your experimental protocol.
European spellings are important as well.
As with any type of searching, success in retrieving relevant citations will depend directly on the quality of the information provided. Once the initial exchange of information has taken place, the information specialist can begin to formulate a search strategy. Search strategies for alternatives may be divided into two phases, reduction and refinement, and replacement. Phase I consists of a generalized database search used to retrieve citations pertinent to the investigator's field of study. Citations retrieved during this phase, should provide information on current research, alert the investigator to whether or not they are performing duplicative studies, and possibly provide information to refine experimental techniques.