Good researchers know that having a thorough understanding of their topic is necessary to begin their original work, giving a firm foundation to their knowledge and resulting argument. When you move to focus on what professionals have said and even debated, this foundation will help you to navigate articles and understand what is most relevant to your own research.
When you think about understanding and assembling existing research as evidence for your own research, remember that the result you're working towards will further the scholarship in your field. You're contributing to scholarly conversation through this work!
You can search for databases by name or by subject.
SURF does a good job at checking a lot of places the library has access to, essentially trying super hard to complete your search across not only all of the library's physical and digital holdings but also across as many of our database and journal subscriptions as possible - but it's just not able to check absolutely everywhere every time.
Remember, it's your job to determine where and how to search for the best results that meet your information need! It's a good practice to cast the widest net in your research by looking in different places for your sources and digging deeper than just a simple search in SURF. As the place where information or the source itself is kept, databases can connect you with sources directly and allow for much more customized and deeper research practices as you continue.
For example, one way to incorporate it would be to try out different keywords and result limiters with SURF before moving the search into a larger, interdisciplinary database, like Academic Search Ultimate, or even a more focused subject database, like Business Source Complete, where you can see how different levels of technical language can effect your searches.
There is a general timeline for how long it might take information to be published in a particular form after an event happens.
The CRAAP Test for evaluating materials. This is adapted from "Applying the CRAAP Test" by the Meriam Library at California State University, Chico.
Click away from the story to investigate the site, its mission and its contact info.
Headlines can be outrageous in an effort to get clicks. What's the whole story?
Do a quick search on the author. Are they credible? Are they real?
Click on those links. Determine if the info given actually supports the story.
Reposting old news stories doesn't mean they're relevant to current events.
If it is too outlandish, it might be satire. Research the site and author to be sure.
Consider if your own beliefs could affect your judgment.
Ask a librarian or consult a fact-checking site.
This information is from IFLA or the The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions