how to learn

dear, /lounge,

This thread is about self-education.  I'm a complete n00b at life, and I want to change that.  If you want to learn about a new subject, how do you go about getting information about it?

google?
wikipedia?
library?

I realize some sources may be better than others for certain topics.  If you want to learn about computer programming, you can find all the information that you need to get started online.  However if you want to learn about history, it seems like there's not as much information available.

Let's say for example I wanted to learn about the history of Islam.  Where would you start if you were me.

Tell me about your experiences with self-education.

A good start:
a) Decide the topic you want to learn.
b) Find a world-class university with a department that specializes in your chosen topic.
c) Go online and look up the books that are required and recommended in interesting classes at this department.
d) Find copies of these books and read them.

Tada.

that actually sounds like a pretty good plan, anonymous

When does Anonoymous NOT have a good plan?

As far as the history of Islam specifically goes, there's a fantastic series of lectures by Jon L. Esposito. My roommate managed to torrent it, and I have it on my iPod. The same can be said of a number of subjects - I also have lecture series and books on tape for American history.

/r/ sites with history lectures