Certain types of information, such as the latest news articles, real-time data, and updates from government websites and professional organizations, are often more readily accessible through a Google search than in the library. Additionally, web-based resources like blogs, online forums, and industry reports provide unique insights and current trends that might not be available in traditional library collections.

Use the tips below to find credible information through a Google search.

Google Search Tips

• Use quotation marks when searching for a specific term that is composed of more than one word to get more precise results
  • Example: "social media" 
• Make sure you are using current and up to date information. The websites that show up at the top of your results list will not necessarily be the newest information.
• Do a domain search in Google that only searches across websites that are most likely to contain credible information. These domains include:

To conduct a domain search in Google:

• Type site:(domain ending) and your search terms
  • Example: site:.gov mental health
  • Only websites ending with .gov will be searched for the terms mental health.

It is very important to always evaluate the information you find on a website.

Ask yourself:

• Who created the content?
• What is it about?
• When was it published?
• Where is it published?
• Why was this content created?

Check out the Evaluating Websites page for more things to consider when determining if a website is credible.