Summary

Synopsis

This is the second of two tutorials that demonstrate how to use the Internet to accomplish your research objectives. Learn the features of search engines, directories, virtual libraries and specialized databases. Attain tips on how to better locate the information you are looking for.

Objectives

• Describe research strategies using virtual libraries and when they should be used
• Describe research strategies using databases and when they should be used
• Point out the relative advantages of search engines, directories, virtual libraries, and databases
• Apply search tips concerning case, strings and phrase searching
• List the rules on prohibited terms
• Give examples of how to use keyword synonyms and limit keywords
• Explain Boolean logic and apply it to using multiple operators
• Name three limitations of Internet research

Outline

• Introduction
• Overview
• Objectives
• The Web
• When to Use the Web
• Virtual Libraries
• Using Virtual Libraries
• When to Use a Virtual Library
• Specialized Databases
• Defining a Specialized Database
• When to Use Specialized Databases
• Checkpoint I
• Search Tips
• Introduction
• Use of Upper and Lower Case
• Phrase Searching
• Building Effective Word Strings
• Strategic Use of Synonyms and Keywords
• Performing a Field Search
• Using Boolean Logic
• The Advantages of a Wildcard Search
• Spelling Conventions, Articles, and Prepositions
• Points to Remember
• Limitations of Internet Research
• Nothing is Perfect
• Final Checkpoint