[wizkid]

TIPS ON CONDUCTING SEARCHES


1. Read the directions at each search site. The technique for formulating a search depends on the search engine you are using. There is a wide variety of options available among the different search engines.

2. If you have a multi-term search, be sure to determine which type of Boolean logic you should use. For example, a search about the relationship between latitude and temperature can be formulated as: +latitude + temperature on many Web search engines in order for AND logic to apply.

3. Include synonyms or alternate spellings in your search statements and connect these terms with OR logic.

4. Check your spelling.

5. Take advantage of capitalization if the search engine is case sensitive.

6. If your results are not satisfactory, repeat the search using alternative terms.

7. Try different sources to diversify your results. Sources can include other search engines and large directories.

8. Experiment with different search engines. No two search engines work from the same index.

9. Try search engines which allow you to search multiple search engines simultaneously. Be aware that you will lose access to advanced query options since not all engines offer them.

10. If you have too many results, or results that are not relevant:

· Field search

· Add concept words to your original search.

· Use vocabulary that is specific to your topic; avoid words with large
concepts unless you intend to field search.

· Link appropriate terms with the Boolean AND ( + ) so that each term is required to appear in the record. While many search engines do not require
this, it doesn't hurt to be on the safe side.

· Use term proximity operators if they are available to locate documents in which your terms are close together. Exalead is one of the few engines nowadays that offers this.

· If one of your search terms is a phrase, be sure to enclose it within quotations, i.e., "global warming."

· Use the Boolean NOT to keep out records containing terms you don't want.

11. If you have too few results:

· Drop off the least important concept(s) to broaden your subject

· Use more general vocabulary

· Add alternate terms or spellings for individual concepts and connect
with the Boolean OR

· Try the option available on some engines to find similar or related documents to one or more of your relevant hits.

Evaluating Internet Resources

Purpose
Audience

· Consider the intended audience of the page, based on its content, tone and style

· Does this mesh with your needs?
Consider the Source

· Web search engines often amass vast results, from memos to scholarly
documents

· Many of the resulting items will be peripheral or useless for your research
Source

· Author/producer is identifiable

· Author/producer has expertise on the subject as indicated on a credentials page. You may need to trace back in the URL (Internet address) to view a page in a higher directory with background information

· Sponsor/location of the site is appropriate to the material as shown in the URL

Examples:

o .edu for educational or research material

o .gov for government resources

o .com for commercial products or commercially-sponsored sites

· ~NAME in URL may mean a personal home page with no official sanction
· Mail-to link is offered for submission of questions or comments
Content

Accuracy

· Don't take the information presented at face value

· Web sites are rarely refereed or reviewed, as are scholarly journals and books

· Look for

o point of view

o evidence of bias

· Source of the information should be clearly stated, whether original or borrowed from elsewhere

Comprehensiveness

· Depth of information: determine if content covers a specific time period or aspect of the topic, or strives to be comprehensive

· Use additional print and electronic sources to complement the information provided

Currency

· Look to see if

o Site has been updated recently, as reflected in the date on the page

o Material contained on the page is current
Links

· Links are relevant and appropriate

· Don't assume that the linked sites are the best available. Be sure to
investigate additional sites on the topic

Style and Functionality

· Site is laid out clearly and logically with well organized subsections

· Writing style is appropriate for the intended audience

· Site is easy to navigate, including

o Clearly labeled Back, Home, Go To Top icons/links

o Internal indexing links on lengthy pages

· Links to remote sites all work

· Search capability is offered if the site is extensive





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