1. BE CREDIBLE - Credible Sources and Search Terms
8th Language Arts

2. Boolean - uses and (+), OR, not (-) to refine
Truncation - uses symbols (+/-) to narrow or broaden
Phrase searching uses quotes (“____”) for exact wording

3. Be sure to use the search engine that is right for your search
SIRS
Britannica
Gale
then…Google

4. Make sure you are aware of the purpose of the site/information before you use it.
Make sure the site’s main purpose is not to get you to buy something.
Also make sure the type of information is what you need.

5. BEFORE PRINTING read the information that the site is giving you.
Make sure you can use information and that there is enough information to warrant printing - or print only the pages that you will use.
As you are reading and taking notes create your citations so that you don't have to do that at the end.

6. Make sure the url is reliable
Good url’s Not as good url’s
.org com
.gov net
.edu
If something looks “iffy” cross check the information!

7. Be sure the copyright or update date is appropriate for the information you are looking for
Current events - 6 months to a year is the oldest it can be
Historical - can be older depending on the topic

8. Be sure to know the author or organization that is putting the information out there

9. Again, take a look at the purpose of the site or information - make sure the author is giving unbiased information

10. Check for silly mistakes that prove the author wanted to get the information out quickly but maybe not accurately.

11. To ensure the information is credible and accurate, cross check with at least one other source