Hand searching refers to retrieval methods relying more on the comprehensive browsing and scanning of all content in a specific journal issue or supplement, conference or web site. It is usually done where these items cannot be searched effectively with a database. In the past hand searches were done with a physical hard copy. However the proliferation of electronic sources and the improved quality of some search interfaces can now mean that it is performed online.
How to cite: Hand Searching [online]. (2016). York; York Health Economics Consortium; 2016. https://yhec.co.uk/glossary/hand-searching/