How to Optimize your searches

Learn how to use one or 2 search engines well (suggestions AltaVista, Yahoo, Google, Hotbot, Fastsearch, or Seachedu.com .

Use Boolean strategies - combine key words - Example - Pearl Harbor and Franklin Delano Roosevelt  (use pluses and minuses)

Use quotation marks to mark phrases, certain events, and people's names - Example - "Franklin Delano Roosevelt"

Learn the "rules" of a search engine.

Go to a major portal that lists only authoritative sites. 

Web site Evaluation Checklist - Only use Authoritative web sites

• Can you identify the source or author of the site? Look at the bottom or sometimes the top of the web page.

• Is the spelling and grammar correct?

• Does the site represent a group or a viewpoint? (bias)

• Is the information up-to date?

 Examples of Bad websites

http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/3758/roosev.htm

http://147.129.1.10/library/research/AIDSFACTS.htm

07/29/02