Repeat: Start at the Library's Web Site
Focus your search
Web search engines are so enticing that you still may ignore the previous page and be tempted to use a search engine to find articles instead of using your library's online indexes. Resist the temptation.
When you use a web browser (like Google, Yahoo, or MSN,) you're searching millions of web sites that anyone and everyone can produce. The search will likely take you longer because you have to sort through web pages to try to find articles in credible publications. If you do find an article, you need to scrutinize it to make sure you have a credible article from a real publication and not a web page.
If you start with indexes on your library's web page, you can focus right in on finding articles.
Here's a notable exception: Google Scholar. Read on.