Search Saga: Stuck

Help

Sometimes, in spite of effective tools and limitless information, Internet users get stuck in their searches. Here is a list of common "stuck" causers, as well as how to avoid them.

1. Typing a question: Often, users will simply type in their question in a search engine, only to find a forum, answer site (i.e. WikiAnswer), or one-sentence pages. While this may help find a quick response, the information does not assist someone with a 4+ page report due next week. Instead of asking a question, type in the subject of the question. For example, rather than typing "What is malaria?" simply type "malaria."

2. Nothing found: Probably the most discouraging of all responses. Happily, it can be solved with a bit of creativity (and a thesaurus). Try different terms with the same meaning. Rearranging search terms can help. Eliminate quotation marks or conjunctions increases hits. Also, be sure the spelling is correct. Many of the more popular search engines will compensate for poor spelling, but some of the more specific databases do not.

3. Too much information: Sometimes, the response of a search can overwhelm a user. To counter information overload, narrow the search. Adding more specific terms or utilizing the AND or NOT options in an "Advanced Search" option can accomplish this.

4. Unreliable information: Difficult to identify when the searcher is unfamiliar with the subject. However, some information on the Internet cannot be trusted. When in doubt, look for another resource and compare information.

5. My teacher will not accept information from X: Teachers will often limit student searches. This may be to teach students different search techniques. Also, some resources are notoriously unreliable. Wikis are particularly notable offenders. While they offer quick information, anyone can edit them, often leading to misinformation (once, a wiki told me tsunamis are caused by "yo mama"). Trust the teacher and use other resources.

6. Able to describe it, not able to find it: When a searcher knows specific resource and is completely unable to locate it. Little can be done for this situation. Try to think of different descriptors or review where the item was first found. If the item was viewed before, try looking at the browser's History.

Occasionally, all searchers get stuck. With some caution and creativity, though, a frustrating search can still yield useful information.

Search Saga: Guides

This is my guide. He knows stuff.

  

Usually, to preform an online search, the user will type in a search term and move on. However, many databases include the opportunity to perform a Boolean Search. If you have never heard of a Boolean  Search, do not worry. I did not know of them until I started my Master's Degree. However, most users have experienced the tools for performing a Boolean Search, usually when selecting the "Advanced" option of a database or search engine. The selection will lead to a table offering a textbox, as well as three additional boxes labeled "AND", "OR", and "NOT". 

AND does not actually mean "and." "With" would be a better description. When a search uses "AND," it only finds items with both terms. For example, if a user typed "fox" AND "wolf", the search would not include items about foxes if they did not also mention wolves as well. AND is useful if a searcher needs to find something specific about a concept with multiple meanings (i.e. "cry" or "face") or needs to narrow the search.

OR: Actually means "and" (no, I do not think they could have made this more confusing if they tried). Following the previous example, typing in "fox" OR "wolf" will include items pertaining to foxes, wolves, and foxes and wolves. If the user needs to find lots of information, the OR option offers a means of doing so.

NOT: Probably the easiest to explain. NOT eliminates all items with a given term. It needs to be used with caution, since any reference to the term will be eliminated from the search. Still, NOT prevents users from drowning in over-information by cutting unnecessary items.

Sometimes, sites will use variations of the Boolean Search. An Advanced Search in Yahoo!, for example, offers "the exact phrase" (AND), "any of these words" (OR), and "none of these words" (NOT). Understanding the basics of a Boolean Search will allow users to find information with less frustration.

Search Saga: Where to Begin

Starting the journey...

Unsurprisingly, online searches need to start...online. That said, some online search engines, databases, and websites will serve better than others. A few notable examples include:

1. Google: Perhaps one on the best known search engines. The engine offers links to more information than any other. However, it does not offer limits to searches, and often brings up what librarians call "false hits." False hits are items that do not actually pertain to the intended search. For example, typing in "California" in a basic search will lead users to the state's site, but also the DMV site, Parks site, and Disneyland site.

2. Yahoo: The search engine manages to produce fewer false hits than Google, but is still far from ideal. While the site arranges items according to popularity, much like Google, it does nothing to identify the validity of the sites.

3. Twurdy: I recently discovered this site. While it is not as exhaustive as Google or Yahoo, it offers a useful feature. It offers a ranking system for the sites according to reading level, allowing users to judge the best sites according to the ease or difficulty of reading.

4. SweetSearch: A limited search engine, but one with extremely useful potential, particularly for students. All sites presented by the engine are reviewed by a team of research experts, librarians, and teachers. Using the site takes practice, but it offers legitimate information to users.

5. School and Library Databases: If a school or library is paying for the database, the institution must think it is worth the effort. Give the sites a shot.

Search Saga: The Intro

Search Saga: The Intro

This week will review no books, websites, or movies. Instead, a subject facing and perplexing tweens, teens, and adults will be addressed. Many assume the subject to be intuitive, and perform it with little regard to effectiveness. Others, embarrassed by their shortcomings, refuse to ask for help. A few less scrupulous individuals may even use the difficulties surrounding it as an excuse for poorly done or incomplete work. The subject in question? Online searching.

Computers and the Internet revolutionized communication and research, but many students, including tweens, express difficulty in utilizing the resources to their full potential. So, instead of offering reviews, I will present an appropriately modified version of some work I did in college.

We will learn to find things online without getting lost.

I'm lost!