Online tutorials are available illustrating basic and advanced search techniques within the Nesstar web retrieval system.

The search function allows keyword searching of datasets currently held by the TDR which are available via the Nesstar server. This provides users with a method of finding which datasets pertain to their current research needs. Each dataset is accompanied by a descriptive file or metadata xml file which can be searched.

The Nesstar system also allows for context specific variable level searching for all microdata files.This option is not available for data files in B2020 or Excel formats, or locally mounted databases.

Searching by question text will become available gradually over time.

Some files are accompanied by questionnaires, codebooks, user guides, and record layouts which are published in a variety of formats. Files produced in .pdf, .wpd, txt or .doc are not searchable using the keyword function.

Databases which are restricted to individual data centres or have restrictive licencing and/or proprietary software are not searchable using this search function. Only the descriptive file for each database will be included.