The following resources will help you research background information the Middle East, as it was then, and as it is now.

Online Databases

	CountryReports.Org Provides an extensive overview on the countries of the world from their ancient history to modern day life, and much more.
	Grolier Encyclopedia (Access from School) Offers a combined search feature of encyclopedias, magazines, websites and more. Grolier Offsite (requires password)
	General Reference Center Gold Search multiple formats: journals, , magazines, encyclopedias, and more Helpful hint: enter keyword (ex: Nefertiti), hit enter, select Reference tab.

Internet Sites

If you do not find what you're looking for in the above resources, try the search tips listed below.
 

 Internet Search Tips

1. Type the URL (web site address) of a search directory/engine in the address box: ex: www.yahoo.com, or www.google.com, etc.
    
2. (Be sure to type the address exactly the way you see it, including any uppercase letters and punctuation).
    
3. Type in keyword(s). (If your keyword has two parts such as: "ancient Egypt", be sure to put quotes around it so that the search engine only finds the Internet sites on old English as opposed to all of the sites containing the word ancient plus all of the sites containing the word Egypt.
    

4. If you would like to search for something specific about ancient Egypt, try a combined keyword search by adding a comma followed by a space and your other search term. For instance; if I wanted to find out about the pharaohs of ancient Egypt,  I would enter the following:

   "ancient Egypt", pharaohs,

   Hit Enter on your keyboard, or click on Search, then scan the description of the "hits" (entries) and click on the links that sound best.
    

5. Be sure to evaluate each Internet site for the following:
   • Authority: Can you tell if the author is credible (believable)?
   • Objectivity: Is the information objective (honest and free of bias)?
   • Currency: Is the information recent and up-to-date?
   • Design: Is the site designed in a clear and user friendly way?
   • Navigation: Is the site easy to navigate through, and are all links current and usable?

    

6. Remember: if you choose to use any information (text or graphics) found on an Internet source, 
   you must include it in your bibliography.

Remember:  YOU MUST CITE EVERY RESOURCE YOU USED to gather information on your 
Works Cited (Bibliography) page.  Use the Works Cited Guide to access MLA format.
 

Created by Liza Zandonella, Library Media Specialist.

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