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-SEARCHING THE INTERNET

Websites on research Search Tools & Techniques Conducting Research Websearch Searchengine watch Research buzz Researchengine guide Freepint Showdown Boolean research is based on AND, OR, NOT For example: You are looking for pages with information about �cats� and �dogs�, use AND. If you are looking for information only about �cats� and you want to exclude everything that relate to �dogs�, use �cats� NOT �dogs�. If you are looking for any of these, use �cats� OR �dogs�. The same applies using �+� or �-�. If you�re looking for the exact phrase use quotes �..� More on Boolean... Few tips: (using a search engine) Try to re-order words, for example: �middle east� AND �journalism� instead of �journalism� AND �middle east�. If that�s still doesn�t give you anything, try synonymous words: �middle east� and �media� Sometimes using capital letters can make a difference If you are searching for a specific quote, use the quotes � Some search engines let you use an asterix * if you�re not sure of spelling: jour* Tips for journalists Make use of news groups. Good way to start searching for relevant groups: Listz�s Usenet Newsgroup Directory or DejaNews. Local newspapers are sometimes a good start too Use Ctrl+ F to search a site on a certain keyword Realise that there are also lots of specialised sub directories. The Virtual Library is a good example, another one is Clearinghouse or the Liberian Index to the Internet, or Law crawler for legal stuff. Or try the more general Webcrawler Make use of someone�s e-mail to ask for more information Don�t forget that there�s something simple like a phone too. Not everything is on the Internet, see a specialist. Universities or NGO�s might have one DOUBLE CHECK YOUR INFORMATION Few tips that can help: Big organisations are more likely to provide you with accurate information then someone�s personal home page (identifiable with ~); Try the �Who are we� or �About us�. You�ll find it on every web page; Is there any information on the writer itself; Is there a mentioning of a phone number or e-mail address you can contact; How is the text written: a business like approach or a more emotional approach; Again use you�re brains-- does it make sense to you. Have you read the information somewhere before; Is there any evidence for the content, for example links to other organisations?