In the days of the detective story, but even as recently as the early ’90s…

You had to go to the library if you wanted to

research a topic.

You had to ask a friend if you had a question, or

needed directions.

…or if you couldn’t remember the name of that great Italian place

on 5th Avenue.

…or if you couldn’t remember the name of that great Italian place

on 5th Avenue.

(No, not that one. The other one.)

Nowadays, you can still visit the library, or ask a friend when you have a question.

But you don’t have to – you can look it up yourself.

That’s the best part about the internet.

Not only does it give you access to more

information…

It also makes it more convenient.

But the internet’s a pretty big place.

You need to know how (and where) to find what you’re looking for.

You might want to start with a search engine.

Google is the most popular one.

(Google Inside Search, or some other branded screenshot)

Search engines are specialized websites that can help you find what you need.

Just type in a keyword, and the search engine will show you results that match.

(Google search results - Everything)

(Google search results - Images)

(Google search results - Maps)

On the other hand, if you have some idea of what you’re looking for…

You can go straight to the source.

Many websites have their own unique search feature.

For example:Your local library

(Library database)

Most libraries have their own online database

these days, rather than a card catalogue.

(Library database)

Search for a book to find out if it’s checked in.

…or search for your favorite author to see a list of his or her published works.

(Library search results - 1)

(Library search results - 2)

Wikipedia is another great site for conducting research.

Wikipedia is a collaborative web-

based encyclopedia (think Encyclopedia

Britannica).

(Wikipedia home)

It’s “collaborative” because every entry is written and edited by people like you – in

other words, volunteers.

(Wikipedia home)

(Smiling people)

This model is what keeps Wikipedia going.

(Smiling people)

(Wikipedia article)

This model is what keeps Wikipedia going.

But it can also affect the website’s accuracy.

(Wikipedia article with warnings?)

Lots of other sites have their own specialized search feature.

For example: At CareerBuilder.com, you can search for job

openings.

(CareerBuilder website)

At Realtor.com, you can search for homes for

sale.(Realtor.com website)

In short, it’s not just about search engines – like Google, Yahoo!, or Bing.

There are lots of ways to search for information online.

It just depends on what you’re looking for.