Search+&+Find

=There's more to research than Wikipedia and Google.... How to get started =


 * **Begin with a** general encyclopedia (Britannica Online, Worldbook, Wikipedia, Google) for background information.
 * **I**nvestigate and collect key words **found in background reading, and look for new ones in other sources.**
 * **Use the keyword list to start the indepth research process.** Use a variety of sources**,**such as
 * 1) Destiny Library Search (offers printed Library materials and recommended websites with citation services)
 * 2) Online Databases (huge amount of information, plus citation services)
 * 3) Books ([|Destiny Library Search], [|Google Books], [|Google Scholar])
 * 4) Audio-visual materials **(**Destiny Library Search**,** Online Databases, **Youtube,** etc.)
 * 5) Magazines/newspapers in print and online (see Online Databases as well)
 * 6) Internet web sites (Destiny Webpath Express, [|Choose the Best Search for your Information] will help you locate the best sites)
 * 7) Any other sources of information that are useful for your topic (interviews with authorities on the topic, pictures, etc.).


 * When you are using books, check the __table of contents__ and the __index__ of the source to identify the sections that are relevant to your topic.
 * Determine __relevance__ to avoid wasting time and energy. To what extent does this source address your research question?
 * Note the copyright date to see that the __source is recent__. For many topics there may be developments that an older source may not address. However, an older source can provide important background information.
 * Use a __bibliography__ from a current source (usually found at the back of the book). It may suggest other resources for further investigation.
 * Determine the __reliability__ of your source, whether print or online. Keep in mind that some periodicals and Internet sites may distort or oversimplify information. Be sensitive to the writer's possible bias. Generally, scholarly journals are careful to document information and encourage responsible scholarship from their contributing authors. The online databases our school is subscribed to, offer reliable information.
 * Maintain accurate bibliographic information**,** so that you can produce __complete citations of all works used__ in your bibliography**.** See Write a Bibliography for detailed help with that.

Evaluating Websites
See this link for useful criteria when evaluating websites.

=Internet Detective - Wise up on the Web= How good are you at evaluating websites? Follow the tutorial and test yourself at