Use catalogs and specialized resources first.If you aren't sure about what you're looking for, or you're new to searching, try a specialized resource before a general resource, and try a catalog before a search engine. You will benefit from the structure of a catalog or the subject-specific nature of a specialized guide.
If you find the link you want, and you plan to use it again, bookmark it. The longest, most disorganized bookmark file in the world is still the easiest and most convenient way to get to resources you plan to visit more than once.
Use a minute to save an hour. Always read the instructions for a site you aren't familiar with or haven't visited in a while.
Every tool has different rules. Never forget that every search engine is different, which means every search engine has unique rules for constructing searches. Also, every catalog has its unique schematic and index vocabulary.
Early to rise... When possible, avoid searching at the busiest times (in Western Australia that is after 5pm [17:00] to about 11pm [23:00]
and in the Northeast United States, that's mid-afternoon their time).
Perfect your search engine "end run."If you often have to search during "Internet rush hour," get to know the lesser-known tools. In general, catalogs are often more available than search engines, and specialty resources such as Envirotext aren't as busy as general sites such as Yahoo.
Don't search for "potatoe."Particularly for search engines, check your spelling very carefully. !! remember that American has some differences there and most Search Engines are based on US spelling !!
It's probably out there.If you don't get any "hits" from your search, assume that you misspelled something or constructed the search incorrectly. (And revisit Tip #1.) The next step is to use another tool. Remember, though, that search engines only retrieve freely-accessible Internet resources, not magazine indexes or other fee-based sources.
Practice builds precision.
If you get too many hits from your search, first see what you can learn about restricting the search, and consider using a catalog or specialized tool.
Caveat Surfer.
Remember that the Internet has plenty of champagne and snake oil. Prepare to be disappointed by sites you were sure would be good and surprised by sites that don't appear to be much at first glance. In particular, there seems to be an inverse ratio between the size of the graphic on the opening page and the quality of the content of the site. Finally, the best way to stay current on what's happening on the Internet is to communicate: reading, talking and sharing sites with colleagues is really where it's at--along with using currency tools. But that's another class!
Google
