Guides

The 7-Step Strategy
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/ac/ido/ptdl/step7.htm
This Seven Step Strategy from the USPTO provides a traditional guide to searching patents.
Patent Searching Tutorial
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/engin/patent-tutorial/index.htm
This excellent tutorial available from the University of Texas at Austin is recommended prior to attempting a web based patent search.
Patent Search Tutorial
http://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/pams/patent.html
A tutorial from Penn State University Libraries to help you understand the process and procedure in searching patents.