As the Internet grows, it becomes harder to find exactly what you need for your research. Here are some tips and links to help you use the Internet like a pro.
Use the advanced search feature on any search engine you use: Google, Yahoo, Bing (you can use the Advanced Search features only AFTER you perform a search), Ask, etc. Use phrase searching, combination searches, limiting by extension (.edu, .org), language, or other features to keep your results to the best hits.
Explore the invisible web to search databases and web directories that might be missed by traditional search engines. Look for a subject-specific search engine if you are looking for a site in the sciences, literature, history, etc.
Complete Planet - database of over 100,000 searchable databases and specialty search engines
FindArticles - search a huge archive of published articles, many from scholarly sources
Pinakes - collection of subject-specific search engines
Jurn - search over 3600 academic journals free online
OAIster - search millions of online reports, dissertation, and more from world libraries, much of it free.
Browse or search online indexes, where Internet sites are grouped by categories. The first was the Yahoo directory, but there are many indexes created by librarians, teachers, and other smart people, including:
Evaluate the sites you find using four key criteria:
Who wrote it? Can they be identified and contacted? Is the website a personal page, or from an established entity? What are the author's qualifications for writing the article?
How old is the information? When was the page/site last updated?
How accurate is the information you are finding? Is the author or organization authoritative? Is the information verifiable? Does it agree with other resources you have used?
Is there a bias? If so, is it clearly stated? Are you being swayed by persuasive, emotional language?
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