The Internet and its variety of resources (World Wide Web, online databases, messaging applications) are vast and offer more than most people can imagine.  Too often, students start their research task with Google, instead of saving precious time by examining more credible resources from the start.  We've gathered some of the most useful tools available to get you on the right track, right away!

This page is outlined in steps, because any journey (such as research) must follow a particular path.  If you take the time to plan and prepare for that journey (just as you might pack luggage for a trip), you will have more success (and a better grade or IB mark) at the end.  For starters, most students don't realize there is a methodology to approaching research:

• Guide to Research Methodology (Bedford/Diana Hacker)

Overall Online Research Guidelines:

• Guide to Library Research (Duke University)
• Online Research Guide (School District of Springfield Township)
• The Research Process (Oregon School Library Information System)
• Guide to Research and Writing (IPPL)
• Research 101 (University of Washington online tutorial to learn how to do research)
• Basic Steps in the Research Process (Cambridge Rindge & Latin School Research Guide)

Search Tips:

• General Search Tips for Online Databases and the Internet
• Choose the Best Search for Your Information Need (Noodletools)
• Selecting the Right Source (UCLA)
• Tips for better web search results (Ohio State University)

Evaluating resources:

• Evaluating Web Pages: Techniques to Apply and Questions to Ask (UC Berkeley)
• Critical Evaluation of Resources on the Internet (University of Alberta Libraries)
• Evaluating Internet Information (Virginia Tech)
• ICYouSee: T is for thinking A Guide to Critical Thinking About What You See on the Web (Ithaca College Library)