Searching for information on the web efficiently requires developing a search strategy. Is the information sought very specific? If so, a search engine is the best search tool to use with keywords to describe the exact information need. Unsure or looking for more general information on a topic? Start with a subject directory and search broad topics.
On the Web
Subject Directories
Subject directories are small databases compiled by librarians and information experts, searchable by broad topics.
| Search
Tip! Browse by topic or search using broad terms.
Keep searches
simple. |
- ipl2: information you can trust - merging Internet Public Library and Librarians' Internet Index into a virtual reference library
- Infomine - Over 100,000 sites, annotated and classified by subject, developed by librarians.
- Academic Info - over 25,000+ hand-picked resources arranged into subject guides
Search Engines
Search engine companies such as Google are large databases that send computer software programs called robots or spiders to gather data on the web. Search engines search the full-text of billions of web pages.
| Search
Tip! Use specific words that will appear in the webpages you retrieve. Quotes around multiple words will search the words as a phrase. Don't use quotations around single concept words. Example: "gun control" California legislation will retrieve legislation on gun control in California. . |
Image, Audio and Video Search Engines
The use of images, video and audio clips in reports and presentations is becoming more commonplace in school. Remember that these resources must also be cited!