1. Think about words!

•      Use nouns, the more specific the better!
•     You need context – a basic understanding and overview of your topic. Using topic overviews, find new words, phrases, names and organizations – look for synonyms, related terms
•     Use subject headings in the library databases for new vocabulary, to help you understand broader and narrower topics
•      Use Clusty (http://clusty.com),  or Hakia (http://hakia.com), Some search engines offer subject headings, organizations, and more.

2. Use your Boolean techniques

•   AND (not all search engines and databases are as friendly as Google!) between words and phrases to narrow your search
• OR between words and phrases to broaden your search
•  + (even Google likes the +)        
• - (when you are trying to eliminate words) or NOT to eliminate words (eagles not Philadelphia"
•  “use quotation marks” when you want words kept together "domestic violence"

3. Use sources that evaluate websites 

• databases from libraries
• the Librarians Internet Index (http://lii.org)
• Internet Public Library (http://ipl.org)
• Infomine: Scholarly Internet Resource Collections from UC
• AcademicInfo: "In-depth directory ... of the best and most useful links and resources within a specific subject area

4. Use the advanced search features (in databases, search engines or    directories)

·        Limit to type of domain ·        Limit to dates ·        Limit to languages

        Use Google Help cheat sheet for tips on searching Google

5. Use directories (e.g. Google directory) or Google Scholar

6.  Use your best resources to guide you to more resources

      Find a great article? What resources did the author/s use?   Go after those resources