When you are doing research it isn't just about what results you get, but how you got them. Keeping track of your searches allows you to know what worked, what didn't, and be able to replicate the search at a later date or in another resource.
Most databases will have an option for saving your searches. Look for language like "Search History," "Search," or "Save Your Search." If you don't see an option to do this you can keep track of your searches manually through a spreadsheet, Google Doc, or other tool.
You can also use a citation manager to help keep track of citations found from your literature searches.
See the PubMed guide for information on how to save PubMed searches.
Citation management tools allow you to store your resources and research in one place, no matter where you got them from. In addition to being a way to keep track of your research they will also generate citations for you in the style that you specify.
Quick Tip: Citation management tools are a great way to stay organized while you research and save you time and energy when creating citations.
Find out more about citation management tools, including access to open source (free) options, and how to use them on our guide
Zotero is a free Citation Manager recommended by HSLIC. We have frequent Zotero training workshops, provide support for Zotero, and have a research guide linked below that can help you get started.
