Information search involves querying written,
text records documenting the communications
of others
The key to discovering material relevant to your
topic is your ability to use appropriate
VOCABULARY – words and phrases – to search
the communication streams
Another way to frame this is that when you are
doing RESEARCH you are joining a
CONVERSATION among other researchers who
share your concerns about the issues and
problems that engage you
To participate in any ongoing conversation you
will need to understand the LANGUAGE – words
and concepts – being used by the discussants
