Information is available in a multiplicity of formats and types, and from a multiplicity of sources; not everything is in electronic format via the World Wide Web. Types and formats of information can be viewed as "information containers. "Tools" are available to search the information containers; students master searching "skills" using these tools to discover the information in the containers. Finally, a student evaluates their search results to determine if the search process should be revised to improve the results.

There are four sub-modules to help a student learn about searching for information:

• Formats and Types of Information (the information containers)
• Searching Tools, including the online catalog, indexes and databases, and the Web
• Searching Skills, knowing which tool to use and how to search it
• Evaluating the Search Strategy to Improve the Results

We recommend you begin by reviewing the various formats and types of information.