Internet Search Tips: Key to Effective Internet Searching

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Internet Search TipsKey to Effective Internet
Searching

• By Bob Berkowitz
• Library and Information Specialist
• Wayne Central High School

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Internet Search TipsTask Definition

• Clearly define your information need.
• What do you need/want to know?
• How much information do you need/want?
• Hint Use general reference sources such as
  encyclopedias (print or online) for background
  information.

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Internet Search TipsInformation Seeking
Strategies

• Does you topic have distinctive words or phrases?
• Enclose the word(s) or phrase(s) in quotes.
• Example sandwich bags

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Internet Search TipsLocation and Access

• Carefully select your search terms.
• Use synonyms, broader and/or narrower search
  terms to expand or narrow your search if
  necessary.
• Example Water pipe may need an alternate term
  such as PVC pipes
• Example You might add any of your assigned terms
  to the word plastic to begin your search.

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Internet Search TipsLocation and Access

• If your topic has no distinctive words or
  phrases, or if the topic is too broad or very
  specific, then your search may require more than
  one term combined with the word AND or the
  symbol.
• Example history and plastics and DVD
• Use the Help Screens for help searching.
• http//www.enviroliteracy.org/article.php/1188.htm
  l

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Internet Search TipsLocation and Access

• Use advanced search techniques such as truncation
  (plastic) and Boolean logic.
• Truncation is used to expand results
• A common truncation symbol is (asterisk)
• Example (plastic)
• Only applicable with certain databases or search
  engines.

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Internet Search TipsLocation and Access

• Use the Boolean logic search technique.
• Enables you to define sets and search using
  Boolean operators.
• The principal Boolean operators are AND, OR, and
  NOT.

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Internet Search TipsLocation and Access

• Boolean Logic
• helps to narrow your search.
• Gives more accurate results.

history
plastics
DVD
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Internet Search TipsLocation and Access

• Strawberry and chocolate
• Chocolate and vanilla
• Strawberry and vanilla
• Strawberry and chocolate and vanilla

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Internet Search TipsLocation and Access

• Read descriptions when looking at a result list
  to save time
• Look at the URL to determine the purpose of the
  website
• .gov government
• .edu education
• .com commercial
• .org organization
• .k12 school

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Internet Search TipsLocation and
AccessInformation Use

• You may need to vary your approach if your
  results are not accurate
• Revise your keywords.
• Use a different search engine.
• Dont get bogged down in a search strategy that
  doesnt work.
• Be persistent, dont give up.
• Ask for help when you need it!
• http//www.maryvale.wnyric.org/webpages/AHirtreite
  r/links.cfm?getCat509