Go to Google & Other Search Engines:
Using and Evaluating Web Sites
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WAYS TO SEARCH THE WEB
Use a Search Engine, which is a machine-generated searching technique that locates words within webpage titles, addresses, and text. This technique is best used to locate a great deal of information or "hits" on a particular topic or to locate a specific title that is already known (as in the title of a webpage, song, article, etc.). Be aware that search engines may locate thousands or hundreds of thousands of poor choices. For information on search engines and how they operate, go to the Search Engine Watch site. Google, which arranges hits by relevance, is a highly recommended search engine.
Use a Subject Guide when you need more assistance. A Subject Guide is usually developed and maintained by professional librarians or information specialists who organize web sites by specific subject headings. Because the content is reviewed by some means, there is usually higher percentage of relevant hits on search terms. Some Subject Guides may be machine-generated, based on the number of times a term appears in a document. Most college and public libraries provide recommended subject lists of web resources.
Use a source that includes Review Sites. These sources provide professional reviews to websites, which means the content has been reviewed and evaluated according to criteria for good communication on the WWW. These sources are useful in identifying the best and most reliable resources among millions available. Some Search Engines and Subject Guides have review or recommended sections. For the best results in a comprehensive search, use more than one search engine, subject guide, or review source. Each search tool has "help" sections which provide more detailed information to help improve searching.
RECOMMENDED SEARCH ENGINES AND REVIEW SITES
To go directly to each search tool or review site, click on the icon or title below.
is an excellent source for getting directly to informational sites (rather than personal webpages). Like Yahoo!, Google is a good first choice for searching for general topics. Be sure to check out the advanced search features of Google, especially Google Scholar for academic searching.
is a broad general starting point for most types of searching. In addition, it includes a number of value-added features, such as People Search, movie/TV information, weather information, geographic Yahoos!, Yahooligans! for kids, etc. If you have a general topic and don't know of specific sites or online titles, use Yahoo!
IPL2: INFORMATION YOU CAN TRUST began as the Librarians' Index to the Internet at UC/Berkeley and continues to represent good professional advice about various sites.
HOW TO EVALUATE WEB SITES TO FIND GOOD & RELIABLE INFORMATION
How to Find Good Information on the Web. Shelton State Community College.
Critically Analyzing Information Sources. Cornell University Library.
Five Criteria for Evaluating Web Pages. Cornell University Library.
The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly. New Mexico State University Library.
Thinking Critically About World Wide Web Resources. UCLA Library.
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Updated 3/5/12.