1. What Would Google Do? …Search Techniques for Better Googling* Ms. Shana Gass, MSLS, MS sgass@towson.edu Reference Librarian June 2010 * and library database searching

2. What Would Google Do? a)nonprofit b)fundraising c)nonprofit fundraising d)nonprofit fundraising research What do you think the differences will be among these 4 searches in Google? _______________________________ Now try them and see if you were right.

3. What Google Does… (in a typical search) Each additional word = fewer, more specific results All of the words HAVE to be there (Exception: sometimes words are in links pointing to the page) Think of an invisible “AND” in between words

4. What Would Google Do? a) webcasting podcasting b) webcasting OR podcasting What do you think the difference will be (if any) between these 2 searches in Google? __________________________________________ Now try them (make sure to type OR in caps) and see if you were right.

5. What Google Does… When using OR, Google finds pages including either word. OR = More! Good for synonyms, acronyms, alternate spellings, etc. In Google, the CAPS are required

6. What Would Google Do? a)Firstname Lastname b)“Firstname Lastname” [use your own actual name] What do you think the difference will be (if any) between these 2 searches in Google? _______________________________ Now try them and see if you were right.

7. What Google Does… Treats words within “quotation marks” as an exact phrase— that is, the words have to be next to each other, in the same order!

8. What Would Google Do? a) fundraising radio b) radio fundraising What do you think the difference will be (if any) between these 2 searches in Google? _______________________________ Now try them and see if you were right.

9. What Google Does… Word order matters in Google, because it bumps up “exact phrases” If stuck, reshuffle your search words Try typing a particularly important word more than once (I’m serious!)

10. Advanced Google: What You Can Do Use Template for search techniques Search in title, URL Limit to a domain: –Examples:.edu,.gov Search for a file format (pps, pdf, xls) Find “similar pages” Find out who links to a page

11. Web Strategies Ask: Which organizations are likely to collect info on my topic? Visit their sites… Use “directories” of links –For all topics: ipl.org www.intute.ac.uk –Specific examples: marylandnonprofits.org KnowThis collection of Marketing linksKnowThis Human Resource Executive – WorkIndex HR Directory

12. Ok. Now I know what works in Google…. Cool!

13. Can I use the same techniques to search library databases? Not always. There are some important differences. Knowing a few things will help you search library databases more efficiently, to focus in on the high-quality information you need. Read on….

14. Tips & Tricks for Library Databases In library databases… – Use and between your essential search words Example: radio and marketing – 2-3 consecutive search words are usually treated as an “exact phrase” – watch out! – Looking for a needle in a haystack? You may need to use “advanced search” mode to search every word of the articles – For more, see Smart Searching HandoutSmart Searching Handout

15. Tips & Tricks for Library Databases The newest articles are usually at the top of your results list. You can often re-sort by relevance To narrow down a big result list, look for options on the left side of the screen Advanced/Guided Search gives you flexible options (search in title, subject, full text, etc.) Only a few good results? Try this: find one article that is “spot on” & examine the “subjects” listed for the article. Then run a new search using the relevant “subject” terminology

16. Google & Library Database Searching Compared: The Smart Searching Handout

17. Database Selection Strategies Choose the appropriate database for your topic! Cook Library Subject Gateways will help you choose the right database Sample subject gateways: –BusinessBusiness –MarketingMarketing –PsychologyPsychology –The whole listwhole list Not sure which to use? Cook Library web site > Ask a Librarian Guide to “Big 4” Business Article databases“Big 4” Business Article databases

18. Questions? …feel free to contact the Business librarian! Ms.Shana Gass 410-704-2395 sgass@towson.edu Or any reference librarian: Visit – call – IM – email – TXT* Cook Library Web Site > Ask a Librarian Cook Library Web Site *New service! Dial 66746 + begin with askcook Normal txt rates apply!