Many students are familiar with and comfortable with using Google to search for information to support their academic writing. For searching where you know exactly what you need, Google can be a great resource. For searching where you think you know exactly what you need but cannot articulate, you may be more frustrated with a Google search. Google is an excellent tool, but you may find limits depending on the types of information you seek.
Encyclopedias are great ways to get background information and understand the terms used to describe topics.