Online+Research

toc

Before you start
Think about your approach. This site can help you choose and focus your topic. [|Choose the Best Search for Your Information Need]

Use the database
We have access to [|an online database], too. Once you click, you should choose the TYPE of database you need.

Evaluate the site
Before you use information from any site, you must be sure to evaluate it. Not all sites contain accurate information. Ask yourself some of the following questions: Look for information about Martin Luther King, and you will find at least one site hosted by Stormfront, a "white supremacy" organization. The information is false and offensive. Look carefully and think critically about what you read. Do not take information at face value.
 * What does the URL tell you? Check for edu, org, or mil in the address (.com tells you it's commercial)
 * Who is the author? Not finding an author might mean something.
 * Is it updated?

Evaluate the images
You must also check photos in the same way you evaluate websites. [|Check this out]

Refine your search
Google Searching: Google is always a good place to start. You can refine your search in this way: Use quotation marks around your phrase "Fredericksburg Academy" not Fredericksburg Academy Google says this about terms: //Choosing the right search terms is the key to finding the information you need.// //Start with the obvious – if you're looking for general information on Hawaii, try **Hawaii**.// //But it's often advisable to use multiple search terms; if you're planning a Hawaiian vacation, you'll do better with **vacation**// //**Hawaii** than with either **vacation** or **Hawaii** by themselves. And **vacation Hawaii golf** may produce even better (or, depending on your perspective, worse) results.// Also try subject gateways like this: //[|Librarian's Internet Index]//

Cite your sources
Finally, you must cite your sources//.// [|Try this link:]