Keywords are terms or phrases that identify topics discussed in a research source. When you enter keywords into an electronic search engine (whether in a library catalog, database, or Web site), the engine returns to you a list of all the sources it can find with those words. Finding the best keywords for a topic and search engine is essential. Start with the main terms in your research question. Record the keywords you try, noting whether they produce too few or too many results.

As keywords lead to Web sites compiled by specialists or people with a shared interest, browse through the information, resources, and links — lists of related sites. These links, in turn, often contain their own lists of related Web pages. Follow these connections systematically to expand your knowledge rapidly, but avoid only supporting a preconceived notion.