The search tools researchers typically use are Google, Google Scholar, Summon, and a variety of specialized research databases:

For a description of these search tools click on the following links:
To choose a search tool, ask yourself the following questions:
- Who is producing or publishing the information I need (individual researchers, government, research institutions)?
- How are they distributing their information (via websites, formal publications like books or journals)?
If you are looking for commercially published information such as journals, books, magazines and newspapers, you’ll find them via the Library's collection using tools like Google Scholar, Summon and our specialized research databases. If you are looking for government information, publications from organizations or associations, as well as non-commercially published information (grey literature), search the open Internet using Google or any other search engine.