-
Know the difference between a search engine and a web directory .
A search engine, also known as a spider, automatically sorts and
catalogues millions of different sites according to key words. (e.g.
HotBot)
A directory shows listings of sites reviewed and compiled by
people. (e.g. Yahoo!)
-
Know
how to use search strings effectively
Search
strings are the words you type into the search box. When creating the
search string, try to decide which words or related words your topic
would be commonly described with. The more specific you are in your word
choice, the quicker you will find information.
You should
also check
which search strings the search tool uses.
a) Natural
Language - ask questions
b) Boolean
-
"phrase";
finds only when they appear in exact order.
-
(+)
and; must have both words--most engines assume this and you don't
need to type it.
-
(-)
not; criterion what excludes a word--e.g. York, England not new
-
*
wild card; if you can't remember the whole word or phrase, you can
replace the portion you don't know
-
near;
use this word if you want variations of a name or phrase. (e.g. near
Richard Nixon will also find R. M. Nixon)
4. Search
for authoritative sources
Define what constitutes an "authoritative source" on
your topic and think of organizations and institutions that may have relevant
material; then check to see if they are on the Web. Make sure you
look at the journals, encyclopedias and databases the school
library has access to through the web.
5. Recognize
domain types:
- .ca is a Canadian site
- .gov is U.S. government
- .gc.ca is a Canadian government site
- .edu is an accredited post secondary educational institution
- .com is a commercial business
- .org is a non-commercial, not-for-profit
organization/group
- .net is a computer network, particularly an Internet-related
network
- int. is an international organization
- .jp, .ru, .au are country identifiers
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