Conducting Internet Searches

Searching for information can be a frustrating experience. For that matter, searching for anything can be a frustrating experience. You must have somewhere to start and have some idea of what tools to  use in your search. If you wanted to read the text of Romeo and Juliet, you wouldn't use the Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature. You would obviously use the card catalog.

Searching for information on the Internet requires you know  something about the different search tools and techniques. There are dozens of ways to search for information on the Internet and to become a really accomplished researcher will take some time and effort. However, we will be taking a look at  four search tools that will serve you well for the vast majority of searching you will do.

We will look at one hierarchical index and three search engines. A hierarchial index is similar to an inverted tree. You start by choosing a general  topic. That topic branches into many sub-topics. Each sub-topic will branch into even more specific sub-topics. By following these branches, you will eventually reach specific sources of information. Unlike search engines, indices are compiled  by humans.  For this reason, they may lead you to more relevant information. However the number of pages indexed is far less than what you would find in a search engine.

Search engines allow you to type in a keyword or a series of words  that define your search. The search engine then locates information matching your search terms and presents them to you. In order to compile their data base of pages, they use powerful computers and software that roam the Internet in search of  pages to catalog. When you conduct a search, more powerful software comes into play.  It interprets what you have requested and returns "hits" ranked on what it feels is relevant to what you have asked.

Search engines and indices  are NOT standardized. Each has its own techniques and quirks. Only through practice will you be able to determine which is the best for your particular search. I strongly suggest you look at the help or hint areas in each search tool, in order  to find the most efficient way to retrieve information.
 

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