How to do research on the internet

What is a simple search strategy for internet searching?

After each step you should evaluate what you have found to see if it is relevant and useful. Remember, in many cases you will find the information you need in a book or electronic database more quickly than using the web.

1. Check the subject guides for relevant links, and subject gateways for your area.
2. Try a metasearch engine, using phrase searching if possible. Don't use too many words. This may find some introductory pages to help you build your search, or it may even find exactly the material you require.
3. Note any alternative terms that seem useful for further searching, such as synonyms, different spellings and variations in names.
4. Refine your search by using the facilities built into a search engine, for example Boolean operators. Try and eliminate as much irrelevant material as possible at this stage.
5. If you can't find anything that answers your question, seek help by contacting experts in the field, or by joining a mailing list or discussion group on the topic.