SOME OF THE MORE POPULAR SEARCH ENGINES:

Tips for Searching the Web

Different search engines use different logarithms (or different "ways") to search for something. Because of this difference, each search engine usually provides the user with different results. This is a good thing. If you can't find what you are looking for in one search engine -- try another one!

In addition to search engines, some search engines offer directories. A "Directory" is a database of information that is usually organized and managed by humans instead of a computer program. A "Directory" is organized into common categories or subjects such as "Art & Entertainment", "Travel", or "Shopping". Each Search Engine/Directory will have its own system of categories, which may be similar to or different from others. Like search engines, all directories are done differently. If you don't find what you are looking for in one directory, go to another one!

Moreover, almost all search engines offer "advanced searching" capabilities. Generally these capabilities offer you the option to further refine your search. In most search engines, words in quotes (such as, "The Arts in Philadelphia") will only produce those pages that have those exact works in that exact order. The same search without quotes would yield many more thousands of pages because it would produce pages that contain any one of the words. Many of these pages would be "irrelevant". It is, therefore, advantageous to learn "advanced searching techniques" that most search engines offer.

Most Importantly

It is worthy to note that it is IMPERATIVE to know that the author of a piece of information is a legitimate, unbiased and recognized authority in the field they are talking about.

Just because you "saw it on the internet", "read it in a book", "heard it on the radio" or "watched it on TV", does not automatically mean the information is true. "Know Your Source" -- and if you don't -- look them up! You can ask your Librarian to help you find out about the author of a particular internet page/website, book, radio show or television show. Librarians are trained to do this.

Some good websites to check include:

http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/eval.html
http://www.lib.umd.edu/UES/evaluate.htm
http://www.slu.edu/departments/english/research/