Effective searching

This page will help you find what you want on the Internet using search engines, databases and catalogues.

Search engines are the most common online tools available. Wikipedia, the open content encyclopedia, has an up-to-date list of search engines.

Google Guide

Google is the most frequently used search engine available. The "Google Guide" is a useful starting point covering topics such as how to select terms, how to use the special tools and shortcuts and how Google works. An expanded version of the "Guide" is available as a book, "How to Do Everything with Google" by Fritz Schneider, Nancy Blachman and Eric Fredricksen.

www.googleguide.com/intro.html

Becoming Webwise: Finding stuff on the net

The BBC's "Becoming Webwise" guide is an interactive learning tool to help you make the most of the Internet. The "Finding stuff online" section is a basic introduction to searching.

www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/course/search/menu.shtml

Learn the Net: Find Information

A series of short tutorials. Topics include: Advanced Web Searching, The Interactive Search Engine Tutorial, Online Information: Fact or Fiction?, Searching Databases.

www.learnthenet.com/english/section/digdat.html

Mactips Search the Web tutorial

CommunityNet Aotearoa's webmaestro and experienced trainer Miraz Jordan wrote this introductory tutorial on searching for New Zealand audiences. It includes information on effective strategies. The information about New Zealand search engines and directories is invaluable. [Search the MacTips Learning Centre for the correct tutorial.]

http://mactips.info/learn/index.php

University of California Berkeley - Teaching Library Internet Workshops (USA)

An award winning resource from the University's "Research Quality Web Searching" tutorial. Regularly updated.

www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/FindInfo.html

Search Engine Watch

This website is a technical resource for people interested in the mechanics of search engines. Web searching tips are included.

http://searchenginewatch.com