Use the advanced search: it lets you limit your searches by domain names,allowing you to choose to avoid commercial sites, choose sites from a specific country, or retrieve only sites from non-profit organizations, for example. Cutting down the huge numbers of items you retrieve will save you time!
Use Google Scholar if you want only scholarly writings. Many, though not all, of these will have been published in journals or books, not just on the Internet.
Never pay for an article online without talking to us first! One of the downsides of using Google is that you may think you have to buy an article that's available through the USM libraries. Accessing Google Scholar via the Portal or the libraries' Databases A-Z list will ensure that you see USM's journal holdings. When in doubt, check with the library staff.
Check with your instructor before using Internet resources. Some will prefer that you use pre-selected sites listed in your course material. Others will want you to use library databases exclusively.
When selecting Internet resources it is important to evaluate the quality of any websites that you use. Consult the link below for criteria.