Here's an example of what I mean:
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/3630614/xpath-php-query
Googling "XPath Query" returns a plethora of resources. What's the best way to respond to this question? Everything I can think of is flippant.
Meta Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for meta-discussion of the Stack Exchange family of Q&A websites. It only takes a minute to sign up.
Sign up to join this communityHere's an example of what I mean:
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/3630614/xpath-php-query
Googling "XPath Query" returns a plethora of resources. What's the best way to respond to this question? Everything I can think of is flippant.
In your example the OP is looking for someone to vouch for a tutorial/guide. Google results don't provide this.
In more general terms, as long as a question is clear, specific, and at least somewhat well worded, it doesn't matter that it can be answered through Google. Stack Overflow is a repository for good programming questions and answers - even easy ones that are answered elsewhere.
Repeat after me: SO is a canonical source of information which feeds Google. Therefore any question that can be googled should be answered on SO, as if Google never existed.
There is a specific goal with SE, and it is often joked that the SE home page is Google. For that reason, and that reason alone, either answer the question, or ignore it and move along.
If you feel a question is too simple to answer, then it is not the question you should be answering. Leave them for those that are willing to spend time answering them. There is a specific reason LMGTF links are banned on SO, and more can be read on the topic here
It takes a special type of patience and flair for communication to be able to answer beginners' questions in a way that is useful to the beginner and not merely amusement for everyone else.
If you're not capable of doing this, simply skip that question and do not answer it.
The answer, same as any other valid question.
A better question might be, how should we deal with users who ask questions that are clearly displayed in the FAQ section on meta?
If the question isn't answered on SO yet, I wouldn't bother if it's easily answered via Google. If there already is a good SO answer on the topic, link that.
For those I personally know, I find http://www.lmgtfy.com to be useful :)
The particular question in question is as Jon B said looking for a strong tutorial. There's lots of resources on Google but sifting through them isn't as straight forward for a novice.
Keep in mind though the "paradox of knowledge" which is essentially that knowledge must be possessed of how to obtain new knowledge. This fundamental hurdle does include effectively using Google.