Education 499-R01 Search Basics

Finding Stuff on the Web--HELP!! Difficult & Frustrating Web info. not indexed in standard way Search Engines help locate material. Can be helpful, but you must understand how they work and how to best use them.

Search Vocabulary Search Engines: a category for all types of Internet search tools. Search Query: the word or combination of words utilized to focus your search.

Different Types of Search Engines Three Main types: Directory Key Word Meta In each: Pages/sites are collected in databases. Largest databases of web content = less than 20%

Different Types of Searches Sometimes you only have a general idea of what your looking for. Others times you are looking for something very specific. The key is using the appropriate type of search engine & strategy for the type of search implemented.

Directory Search Engines Directory engines utilize databases collected and organized by humans. Often called subject trees start with a few main categories and then branch out into subcategories, topics, and subtopics.

Directory Search Engines

Directory Search Engines Subject headings are defined by humans You match your topic to their categorization. Similar to Library Card Catalog

Directory Search Engines Upside: You don’t have to know exactly what you looking for. One can browse related sites

Directory Search Engines Downside: Your topic definitions don’t match the pre-determined categorization. The “tree” doesn’t follow the same logic you might apply. Limited database Best for general info. on popular topics

Key Word Search Engines Key word engines utilize programs called “spiders” to crawl the Web and log the words on each page.

Using Key Word Search Engines Searcher places search query in search box. The search engine scans its database and returns sites containing the word or words specified in the search query. Results are ranked by the search engine

Key Word Search Engines Different engines use different ranking strategies (often a trade secret) Word frequency Placement in document Popularity of document Number of links to document Business relationships etc….

Key Word Search Engines Upside: Easier to search for specific info. Don’t need to match your topic definitions with predetermined categorization. Much larger databases

Key Word Search Engines Downside: Must use search strategies for success May get thousands of “hits” Can be time consuming

Meta-Search Engines Work the same as key word search engines Put in one search query and search a variety of search engines. don’t have own database I.E. I put my query into www.dogpile.com and it then searches “excite”, “Lycos”, and “Google”

Search Strategies Preparation is the key to a successful search. Choose which search engine type will be most successful for the type of search. Directory=General search Key Word=More specific search Meta=Want lots of results

Search Strategies (Preparation) State what you want to find I want to find information on popular methods of learning to swim. What types of questions should I ask when purchasing a car? When do Canadian Geese migrate?

Search Strategies (Preparation) Identify Key Words I want to find information on popular methods of learning to swim. What types of questions should I ask when purchasing a car? When do Canadian Geese migrate?

Search Strategies (Preparation) Select synonyms Popular Common Favorite methods ways techniques learning learn study swim Swimming

Search Strategies Utilize all of these words in your query. Try to use a minimum of 5 words per query. Remember to check Spelling

Education 499-R01 Advanced Searching

“Advanced” Searches Most search engines allow for “advanced” strategies. Most helpful when being very specific. Not all work exactly the same.

Boolean Searches You can add “and” to make sure all words are included in a document. Car and purchase You can add “or” to include any or all word combinations. Purchase or lease You can combine these. Car and purchase or lease

Boolean Searches You can add “not” to make sure certain words are not included. Car and repair not purchase

Phrases Searching You can use “ “ to define phrases “George W. Bush” Or combine with Boolean. “George W. Bush” and driving not President

Search Titles To narrow down searches you may want only documents with the key words in the title. Title:”George W. Bush” and education

Internal Searches When you access a site, look for a search box or search button that allows for internal navigation. Can be more efficient than browsing You can apply same strategies

Starting Your Search