Successful searching includes brainstorming for keywords and phrases, choosing appropriate databases or search engines, and combining terms effectively. Though information constantly changes on the Web, understanding these steps will give you the skills to effectively find sources for your research.Keep in mind that search engines and library databases regularly update their appearance and add new features. Look for the help pages; they will highlight the best way to search.

Once you finish searching, you need to decide if the information is appropriate for your research. The sources you use must be documented properly. In Module 3 we will discuss how to locate, evaluate, and cite sources of information.