Uses one or more databases, search engines, or meta search sites

Limits scope of information to that available electronically

Commands software to seek out and retrieve data

Faster than conducting research

May lack completeness (the big picture, analogies, related information)

Serves select information needs (fact-finding, locating known items)

Applies a variety of techniques:

• Consulting finding aids (e.g., catalogs, indexes, research guides, known works, bibliographies, subject directories)
• Searching databases, search engines, or meta search sites
• Browsing
• Asking colleagues, friends, experts, or other people resources

Often requires consulting information available in various formats (e.g., online databases, print, Web pages, CD-ROM, microforms) 

Systematic, diligent, creative, thorough

Time-consuming

Uses newly discovered information to focus or re-define the research

Serves all information needs (fact-finding, locating known items, topical, investigative)