Two kids think through their strategies.
What search strategies should I use when approaching the Invisible web?

Searching the Invisible Web for information is a two-step process.  First you search for the right online resources likely to hold the desired information. Next you search the site itself.  Without a search strategy, the size of the Invisible Web creates information overload.  To search the web you need a plan that helps you quickly find the most likely sources of quality information.  If you develop a personal search strategy that is both flexible and focused, you will become a more efficient researcher

Strategies to Consider: If you know a site that has the kind of information you are looking for, go directly to the source. If you were looking for the population of a US city, for example, instead of using a traditional search engine, search the database available at http://www.census.gov.

When searching for information on the Invisible Web, use a search engine to search any subject to find an Invisible Web database that might contain the information.

Use websites that list Invisible Web collections and provide easy access to search forms.

How can I use a search engine to find Invisible Web databases?

You can use your favorite search engine to find Invisible Web resources; just add keywords like database, archive, or repository to your query. Once you find a site with database resources, go directly to it and use the site's own tools to investigate further.   

Let's experiment by combining the Boolean AND command with these keywords: database, repository, archive.

Examples: 

screen shot of google saying the and operator is unecessry we include all search terms by default.

graphic says video. links to flash based video tutorial Video Tutorial On Using Search Engines to find Invisible Web Content.

Cartoon Image of a computer reading from paper text. Listen

Authored by Dennis O'Connor 2003-2005