We have gathered a list of search tools and strategies that will help you to be a "smart" surfer on the Internet. Your challenge when using this technology is finding information in the shortest amount of time, choosing the best sources by evaluating their quality, and citing them by taking down their "addresses" so you can find them again.

Internet Public Library

This site was designed by librarians. It includes search areas designed for children, KidSpace, and adolescents, TeenSpace. It also contains quick access to reference resources for all ages.

KidsClick!

This search engine was made especially for kids by the research experts themselves, librarians. The Web sites in this guide were chosen for their high quality and appropriateness for young users. They also list whether or not a site has illustrations, and its reading level.

Yahooligans

Designed for the younger Yahoo surfers in content and design, this search engine will allow you to type in your search keywords, or select by topic the area you want to explore.

Evaluate the Web site!

Unlike published print materials, information on the Internet is not checked by any group to judge quality, so to help you decide if a Web site is a good source ask yourself the following questions:

• Who wrote the page, can you contact him/her, and are they qualified in the subject they are writing about? (Usually found at the bottom of the page).
  
• Is the information important to you in your search, how detailed is the information, how much is new to you, and how much is opinion or fact?
  
• When was it written, and when was it last updated?
  
• How easy was the Web site to use: design, colors, images, text, length of time to load, and organization?
  
• Is there a link to the home page? (Usually found at the top or bottom)