Successful Internet 
Searching Strategies
Introduction
Search Engines vs Directories
Using Subject Directories
Subject Directories
Using Search Engines
Search Engines
Boolean Operators
Teaching Searching

Introduction

Many people use search engines without realizing the appropriateness of subject directories to refine their search that will help them find relevant information on their topic. The difference between these two types of tools is difficult to understand.  A directory like Yahoo! which is very popular may be used before another directory that could offer more organized categories and a more refined search engine. There are situations where both types of tools can complement each other in the research process.  In fact, there are more sites that offer directories at many search engine sites. More directories are expanding to become the one-stop-shop and portal to everyone. So it is a good idea for you to research and try the different engines and directories that are available to determine which would be the best for a particular search. They vary in what content they contain, features they offer, and how accurate the hits are.
This site is a tutorial that will teach you effective searching strategies that you can do on your own or as part of a workshop. Materials are copyrighted by Computer Strategies, LLC. Contact info@compstrategies.com for permission to use to train Internet Search Strategies to adults. Teachers have permission to use this site with their students.
Search Engines vs Directories
 
Use a Search Engine when you are:
 
  • Looking for a specific site 
  • Researching a narrow or particular topic
  • Searching the full text of millions of pages 
  • Retrieving a large number of documents on your topic 
  • Searching for something specific like a type of document, file, location, person, image, date, etc. 
  • Wanting to use newer searching technologies such as clustering, ranking by popularity, and link ranking
  • Looking for specific topics such as: Rosa Parks, Mars and the Pathfinder, or Boston Tea Party
    		•  Use a Subject Directory when you are:
     
  • Looking for a list of sites on your topic recommended by experts 
  • Researching a broad topic or idea
  • Retrieving a list of sites relevant to your topic rather than a long list of individual pages 
  • Searching for the site title, annotation and keywords to retrieve relevant material 
  • Hoping to avoid long lists of low-content documents 
  • Looking for broader topics, such as: Civil Rights, Space Exploration, or American Revolution
    		•

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