To find relevant, useful sources for your project, the first step is to identify key words that capture what you want to learn about.
The example below is from an article on blogging and ethics from the library's GVRL database. Highlighted words for next steps in my research might be: responsibility, accountability, trolling, freedom of speech, or censorship.
(click on image to enlarge)
Strategize how to use your keywords in library databases and on the Web.
Use AND to connect your key ideas. Separate key ideas. Avoid complex phrases.
Use OR to search synonyms and related words at once.
Use truncation * to search for forms of a root word. Truncate with an asterisk (Shift 8)
Put phrases of a few words in quotes to keep the words together in your search.
Consider information type to help you select useful sources.