In the dictionary (encarta) the World Wide Web (WWW), is defined as a computer-based network of information resources that combines text and multimedia. The Web offers a place where companies, universities and other institutions, and individuals can display information about their products, services, facilities, or research, or their private lives.

According to Neilson NetRatings the digital universe consists of 185,129,968 sites in the United States alone, making it one of the largest repositories of information in the world. Yet the WWW has no organized filing system designed to assist users. Unlike a traditional library or resource center there is no card catalogue. Given that new material is submitted every minute of every day how could there be?

This illustrates the paradox that is the WWW. While most likely the information you seek is online it often takes an inordinate amount of time to find it. The goal of this exercise, created especially for the Superintendents Academy, is explore how search engines work and to provide useful tips that will make you a more efficient web researcher.