Finding Information

Searching the Internet

The Internet includes the World-Wide Web, Discussion Groups and E-Mail. To search the Web effectively requires a search strategy

Decide which kind of information is required...

• for general information: select a subject directory
• for specific information: select a search engine

General information

GIVEN: topic subject...
FIND: general information via the internet.

1. Select a Subject Directory
2. Read the Subject Directory's Help Pages - find out what search options are available - boolean, date, file type, country, etc.
3. Follow the subject category which best describes your topic
4. Use the available search options if necessary
5. Evaluate material found - more
6. Repeat with additional directories if necessary

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Specific information

GIVEN: Key search words...
FIND: specific information via the internet.

1. Select a Search Engine
2. Read the Search Engine's Help Pages - find out what search features are available - boolean, date, file type, country, etc.
3. Use the available search options - limit the search to improve the relevance of sites returned
4. Use a search strategy - more
5. Evaluate material found - more
6. Repeat with additional search engines if necessary

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