Search Strategies:
How Do I Find Information On The Internet?

Click here for information on Search Engines.

ClassZone's Web Research Guide

Doing Research on the Web This great site will help you to create an appropriate search strategy.
http://www.classzone.com/books/research_guide/page_build.cfm?content=web_research&state=none


Using a Search Engine

Once you have picked a search engine to use, the next consideration is to be sure that you use the search engine in a way that is most likely to produce results that you need. Each engine has its own preferred language ("syntax") for creating a search string, so it makes sense to check the Search Help for tips. Use of the Advanced Search feature will make it easier to limit your search and help to insure that your results are relevant.

The following site offers assistance in using specific search engines, and contains many excellent strategies for Internet searching in general.

Four NETS for Better Searching This offers a simple strategy for using Google, much of which may be applied to other search engines.
http://webquest.sdsu.edu/searching/fournets.htm  

Boolean Searching

One important aspect of developing a search string involves the use of the Boolean Operators AND, OR, and NOT. It is important that you understand how to phrase your search string so that you do not get a lot of useless hits. The use of Boolean operators can help refine your search and produce better results. There are many excellent resources for learning how to use these operators, including: 

Basic Search Tips and Advanced Boolean Explained http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/Boolean.pdf
 
Boolean Basics http://www.patentlens.net/daisy/bios/1107

Click here for information on the best way to use the Library Catalog to find in-house materials.

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