Information finding tools

Main Contents Page

Before you start

STEP 1: STARTING out

STEP 2: FINDING

Searching techniques:

- Boolean Logic

- Truncation/wildcards

- Phrase searching

Information finding tools:

- OPAC

- Webbridge

- Databases (incl CD Roms)

- Internet

- Dewey (DDC)

Information sources:

- Dictionaries

- Encyclopaedias

- Atlases

- Almanacs & yearbooks

- Books

- Periodicals/Journals

- Newspapers

- Audio-visual

- Internet

- Grey literature

- Broadcast media

- Conference proceedings

- Maps

- Government publications

- Standards

- Museums

- Archives

- Quiz

STEP 3: EVALUATE

STEP 4: Legal and ethical USE

STEP 5: COMMUNICATE

Internet (as an information finding tool)

 

The Internet is the electronic gateway or route to a large number of information sources everywhere in the world. These information sources include billions of full-text documents, research reports, training material, books, dictionaries, encyclopaedias, newspapers, games and many more. Some of the information on the Internet is free, but some can be very costly.

To enable you to have access to these information sources, for example, from home, you will need to connect your computer to the Internet via a modem (same principle as a telephone line). You will receive a monthly account for the time you spend on the Internet (this is if you have a PC at home that is connected).

Internet facilities are also available in your Library - ask your Librarian for help. These facilities might be free or at a specified cost.

How to use the Internet will be discussed in more detail under the heading "Information Sources" in step 2.