1. A method for identifying an aptamer that binds to a target comprising the steps of: (a) providing a starting library of a starting pool of aptamer candidates; (b) reducing the sequence complexity of said starting library of aptamer candidates by a factor of at least about 100 to an intermediary pool of surviving aptamer candidates; (c) amplifying said intermediary library of surviving aptamer candidates to an over-represented library of said surviving aptamer candidates such that, for every 100 pmol of said surviving aptamer candidates, each surviving aptamer candidate has, on average, at least about three copies; (d) contacting said over-represented library with a target under a buffer condition that allows binding between members of said over-represented library and said target; (e) isolating at least one aptamer candidate that is bound to said target; and (f) determining the sequence of said bound aptamer candidate.