A Debriefing on Using Internet Research Resources

At the risk of interrupting the fine learning that is going on here, I thought I'd offer some of my experiences doing Internet research over the past several years. These are general hints that make me “functionally effective” and that incorporate “defacto standards” but is by no means the absolute last word on things. Those who want to check up on me will find that these tenets are not “correct everywhere” but they do work in most situations that you will come across. For the real answer on each of these items – explore the “help” or “how to search” or “search tips” page for your favorite search engine.

http://www.searchenginewatch.org is a great site to help you learn much of what you might like to know about your favorite search tools.

First of all I would like to admit (as many of you have as well) that I am a Google junkie. Why? – because it works. It helps me get things done, but I realized that I then often view the net through Googly Glasses. 0-0 When I break away I discover new things – that's good!

Always start with the “Basic Search” interface and progress to the “advanced interface” or Boolean queries only as needed.

Search Strings

Brainstorm with pencil and paper – go crazy!

“use quotes” for phrase searches – don't overuse or you'll over-limit your results

Do the plus minus dance. What will

+chocolate +cookie -chip

give you? (Other than a few extra pounds)

Combine the strategies above!

Use the singular form of words to broaden your search.

Use all lower case unless you want a proper name that will be found exactly that way.

Add details such as geographic place to limit results. +“radio shack” +”virginia beach” +VA

Search with unique values such as SKU or UPC code on products or phone numbers or other very specific data (e.g. Flight numbers, zip codes, dates, full names)

Use search engines for rather specific information queries.

Use directories for formatted / complied / sometimes reviewed sites and data. (Not a “broad source.”)

Use subject guides for expert information that has been reviewed by subject matter experts or guides. (e.g. http://www.about.com)

Use meta-search engines only when you need an exhaustive search or when the individual engines seem to be hit or miss on your query topic.

Use the “Deep Web” when you really need an exhaustive search of data that may be buried in .pdfs, databases, images or dynamically generated sites.

Make notes (electronic or hard copy) and bookmark or add favorites religiously when you search. Also print if you would like to read information offline or have a hard-copy record. Yes, I am appropriately ashamed but I still sometimes use paper.

http://www.dogpile.com has excellent white pages for finding folks who may have entered witness protection.

http://altavitsa.com is pretty good at finding specific media types like video, sound, etc.

http://www.youtube.com has a huge collection of varied video.

http://www.singingfish.com is another good media search engine.

http://www.google.com has an excellent image search engine.

http://ask.com is an excellent “natural language” search engine. You can just ask it a question like... Where can I find a periodic table of the elements? Try it! This sometimes works elsewhere as well.

Last but certainly not least I would like to register my opinion as to the http://www.wikipedia.com question.

I use it as a starting place for many searches that I perform. It gives me great background that I then amplify and confirm through multiple authoritative sources – at least when I have the time. If I don't have the time I am careful to limit my assumption of veracity/accuracy about what I have read. I personally think that we should teach kids of all ages to do the same in a developmentally appropriate manner.

Warm Regards on this “blustery day” (credit to Winnie the Pooh, aka Pooh Bear)

Tom Spencer