Continuously published since 1935, the Handbook offers Latin Americanists an essential guide to available resources. Search Tools, etc. Finding web-based resources is getting easier, but be prepared for a fair amount of frustration as you find your way around. There are online subject listings and keyword search engines that can get you started. Word of mouth, and serendipitous browsing.
Diacritics can be a factor as well.
Reading the HELP information provided at each search tool is a great idea. This site uses some nice Venn diagrams to illustrate Boolean logic. If you can stand the annoying advertising, this is a useful site. Andrew's Online Reference A directory of a few well-choosen items on a lot of topics. Collections of Search Engines Internet Public Library.