SECTION 3: USING SEARCH ENGINES EFFECTIVELY

ENTERING YOUR SEARCH QUESTION

Approach your search topic or question like this:

1. First decide which words or terms in your question are the most important.

2. Then search just for those words/terms.

3. Start with a simple search.

4. If you find too many "hits", try adding in another word, gradually making your search more complex.

Examples:

THE QUESTION OR SEARCH TOPIC IS:	ENTER THIS SEARCH:
I am looking for information on the health benefits of yoga.	yoga and health OR TRY THIS SECOND: yoga and (health or wellness) OR TRY THIS THIRD: Think of other words that might express the "health" or "wellness" concepts, and try including those in your search.
I am looking for information on possible side-effects of AZT on vision or the eyes.	azt and vision OR TRY THIS SECOND: azt and eyes OR TRY THIS THIRD: azt and (vision or eyes or sight) OR TRY THIS: Think of other words that might express the "vision" or "eyes" or "sight" concepts, and try including those in your search.
I am 16 years old and live in Boston. I want to get tested for HIV. Is it confidential? Do I have to tell my parents? Where can I go to get tested? This topic is actually several searches. You may not be able to include all of the important variables in one search.	Boston and hiv testing and teens OR TRY THIS SECOND: Boston and hiv testing and (teen* or adolescen*) Use the * to find teen, teenager, teenagers, adolescence, adolescent, or adolescents. OR TRY THIS: Depending on the search results, try eliminating one variable and adding another: Boston and confidental HIV testing OR Boston and confidential HIV testing and teenagers
I am looking for information on HIV in pregnant women.	hiv and pregnant OR TRY THIS: hiv and pregnancy OR TRY THIS MORE COMPLEX APPROACH: (hiv or aids) and pregnan* Use the * to find pregnant or pregnancy.

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