1. Don't waste time looking for things you are not likely going to find on the internet.  If you don't get any "hits" after 10 minutes, change to a different search engine.  Remember, we have some great book sources.

2. Check the data bases that are available to you.
These are primarily magazines and books.

3.  Use specific search terms.  For example "tiger shark" is a better search term then the word shark.

4.  Remember, sometimes your query may have an alternative spelling.  Example: the explorer Cortez is sometimes found using the spelling Cortes.

5.  All search engines are not alike.  Some need your query in quotations, some don't.  Some use the + and - signs.  Ask the media center staff for help.

6.  Can't find what you need?  Use similar terms or synonyms.

7.  Really confused or stuck?  Ask the media center staff for help, that's why we are here!