If you've ever looked for anything on the Web, chances are you have used a 'search engine' from your browser (Internet Explorer or Firefox or something similar). Most of us go to Google as a matter of course - you can start from www.google.com or from a search box at the head of your browser.
Generally, a 'quick and dirty' search without too many parameters should give you some results in the first 3 pages (it's generally not worth digging any deeper). However, remember that Google is not the only search engine you can use. If you have a visual style of learning you might like Kartoo which, like Google, gives you access to images and videos on separate pages. Other meta-search engines are Ixquick and Dogpile. Try the same search in different engines and see which you prefer.
Other tips for searching include use 'limiters' - these limit your search to the exact parameters you want. They can be much more powerful than the standard 'Boolean operators' (AND, OR, NOT) that you can use in a search box. Most online library catalogues will give you boxes (or fields) to fill in to restrict your search by date or type of publication as well as many other combinations. AccessIt has an Advanced search feature that allows you to limit or include many fields.
Pubmed has a very comprehensive set of limiters (click on the Limit tab below the search box) - practice using these to refine your search down from many thousands of articles to the few that are really useful for you.
Remember to ask for help if you feel confused. If you are on campus, I am happy to sit at a computer with you - you will have most of your questions resolved in a few minutes. If you are not at the College, just send an email or give me a call - again it won't take long to solve a problem.
If you have any tips to share, please leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you.
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