Know your Search Tool. What is the difference between a search directory and a search engine? The Help or Tips Menu will provide valuable information about how to perform an effective search. If you have not looked at Help, Tips, or other guides, you are probably not making the best use of the search tool.
2. Prepare to Search
- Think about what you are looking for. Create a list of search terms that you can work with. Consider what is the best search tool for the job. Again, know your search tool–which one will find what you are looking. Do you want to use a search engine like Alta Vista or would you rather use a directory like Yahoo?
- Table Matching What Your Search May Need with Search Tool Features
3. Start Simple and Take Advantage of the Search Tool
- When you begin a search, use the simple mode to enter search terms.
- Some of the major tools like Alta Vista, AskJeeves and others have designed the simple mode for ease of use. Natural language searching, links to RealName and DirectHit for finding major sites, and other features like Lycos ‘ First and Fast retrieve good results with minimal expertise. Although the advanced modes offers more control, the simple mode often offers an better results when beginning a search.
- Refrain from entering a search with + and -, Boolean and, or, and not, parenthetical expressions such as Cleveland and (Indians or Tribe), and other advanced features before you have simply entered the search term or terms. If you are searching a phrase, however, the ” ” around the search will generally lead to better results (see #10).
4. Use Both the Advanced and the Simple Modes of Search Tools
A common misconception is that Advanced Search is for “advanced searchers.” However, the information that you are looking for often dictates how you will search. Learning to work with the Advanced Search modes does not take much more time or energy to learn to use, and it allows you to work with more search options and retrieve sites that are more relevant.
5. Use Unique Terms When Possible to Retrieve More Specific Results
- Search tools use language to retrieve results. The words you choose will determine the information you find. Since some terms generally have one or more meanings, less than perfect results are common when searching the internet. Try to use words that are specific and describe what you are looking for in unique ways. The “Clustering” or “Folders” feature in search tools such as Teoma, WiseNut, and All the Web and the “Refine” feature in Alta Vista can provide other terms to use when searching.
