TIPS FOR SEARCH ONLINE

Before you start searching online, it is best to have a plan. Think about what kind of information you are trying to find and how you are planning to use it. Are you just looking for a fact or two? Are you working on in-depth research paper? Also think about your topic before you begin. Ask yourself questions and BRAINSTORM the subject. Making a list of keywords and/or subject headings before you start will be very helpful. If you know what it are looking for, the Internet is much more useful.

Remember to keep revising your strategy as you learn about your topic!

Library Databases

The Library maintains several electronic resources to help you find of journal and magazine articles. These resources list articles in a searchable index, or database, making things easier to find. Each database has a slightly different focus. Some are very broad or general, such as InfoTrac and WilsonWeb, while others are very specific, such as Hoover's or the International Index to Music Periodicals (IIMP).

A list of current electronic resources can be found at the NEiA Library website or the Library guides available at the Reference Desk.

Subject Directories

Libraries and other academic or professional organizations often develop subject guides to the Internet. These can be an excellent place to start your search as they generally provide links to quality sources of information. Commercial Directories are also maintained by several search engines; though sites found in these directories may not have been critically evaluated.

Academic Directories

Commercial Directories

Search Engines

To find information online your own, you will need to use a search engine. There are many search engines available and each one has its own set of criteria for listing websites. Some search engines allow the option of conducting an "Advanced Search". This allows you to tailor your search more closely to your needs and you should use this option whenever possible.

Examples

Evaluate All Information

It is very important that you carefully evaluate all information before using it. This is true whether you are using information from print or non-print sources. If you are searching online for information critical evaluation is especially important. The Internet is "self-publishing", that means anyone can put up a website about anything, whether or not they are an expert in that field.

When you evaluate an information source, you are asking questions about the quality of the information.

  • Who wrote or sponsored the book/article/website?
  • Is there a noticeable bias to the work?
  • When was it published/ updated?
  • What types of information sources does it cite?
  • How does it fit with other information you've found?

More Information on Evaluating Websites

Cite Your Sources

If you are looking for information for a class project, you will need to provide a citation for your sources. This is extremely important regardless of how you find your information. There are several different styles for presenting this citation information so it's best to check with your teacher before you begin.

Selected Guides to Format Styles

  • The Chicago Manual of Style - Ref Z 253 U69 1993
  • Writing the Research Paper: A Handbook - Ref LB 2369 W55 1999
  • MLA Handbook - Ref LB 2369 G53 2003
  • Links to various citation formats
    • Various formats
    • APA Style
    • MLA Style

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