Search engines are special tools that anyone can use. They are a database of web sites that contain information that is catalogued and indexed for easy reference. The secret of effective searching in knowing how to state what you want to search for.>

Most search engines allow you to use a group of words that narrow the search for you. If you use a general term like "history" for instance, you may get a listing of 3 or 4 MILLION web sites. It is important to use as many descriptive words as you can think of in order to limit your results to several hundred sites or less.

There are special words that some search engines use that allow you to be even more specific. They are called Boolean Operators. These words include "and", "or", and "not". For example you could specify "history AND revolution OR war NOT french" to search for all revolutions or wars in history that do not include the term French in the description. This would still be a broad search, but you can see how these special words can allow you to become very specific about your interests.

Look at the following sites for more detailed information on using search engines. Remember to close the new browser windows each time you are through reading the information.

Introduction to Searching the Internet
http://www.gsn.org/web/research

Sink or Swim: Internet Search Tools and Techniques
http://www.sci.ouc.bc.ca/libr/connect96/search.htm#intro

From Internet Search Engines to Search Strategies
http://cvg1.convergemag.com:80/Publications/CNVGFeb99/smartschools3/smartschools3.shtm

Surf, Stumble, Search, & Lurch
http://www.ozline.com/learning/stumble_js.html

Searching the World Wide Web
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/Strategies.html