untangling_the_web

DID: 4046925
UNCLASSIFIEDlIFOR OFFlGI~L l:JSE ONLY
You've thought through your research question and decided to use the Internet to
find information either because you've already tried traditional sources without
success or you believe the Internet is your best option. You're sitting in front of your
terminal, you've logged onto the Internet and you're staring at a blank screen. Now
what? Let's start with a (relatively) easy type of search. You need to find general
information about a fairly broad topic.
Let's say you need to research a broad topic unfamiliar to you, for example, Java.
The best approach may not be to type java into a search engine. Why? Because
you'll probably get millions of hits, and the first ones may be to commercial sites
trying to sell you something relating to Java and will undoubtedly also include other
meanings of Java, such as Indonesia and coffee. If you are looking for general
information on a topic, wikis, specialized (vertical) search engines, and virtual
libraries are often better starting points for researching general or broad topics than
big search engines.
The single biggest mistake searchers make is using the wrong search tool. For
example, search engines are generally not the best tools for finding current news
(use a news search engine), for researching broad topics (use a specialty directory
or virtual library), or for performing specialized searches such as scientific research
(use a specialty search engine). That's why the number one rule for web research is:
Rule One
Use the right tool for the job.
UNCLASSIFIEDHFOR OFFIGIAL I:JSE eNLY 37