9.2 Begin with an information need

Searching without a clear need often produces a collection of interesting facts that never contributes to the project. State the need in one sentence before searching.

Weak need: “Find recreation statistics.”

Stronger need: “Find annual population estimates and projections by age group for the four service areas used in NVRW’s visit data so that group-specific utilization rates can be calculated through 2035.”

The stronger statement identifies the measure, geography, categories, purpose, and period.