Advanced Web Searching
Most search engines offer "advanced" search features. (Google's link for "advanced" is just to the right of the main search box on the Google homepage.) Advanced features let you control your results with domain (site "type") limiters, language preferences, and other options.
If you're going to use the open Web, use it wisely. Control your results, and don't just settle for what's at the top of the list.
Evaluate what you find!
Whether you search the Web or the Databases, be critical and discerning in your searches and in your use of whatever you might find. Think about:
Accuracy
is this source correct? how do you know for sure?
Authority
who created the document? what credentials does she have?
Currency
is this information new or is it older? why might that matter for your project?
Objectivity
is there apparent bias in this source? if so, what is the author's agenda?
Scope
how much information about the subject are you getting? is there "conspicuously absent" information here?