Search Tips

You develop a set of resources both by using smart search strategies and by keeping an eye for "serendipitous" finds.

Active Search

Here are some quick tips for maximizing the effectiveness of your search for a web site in a particular topic.

1. Choose a quality search engine. Some recommended choices are Google (www.google.com), Northern Light (www.northernlight.com), Alta Vista (www.altavista.com) and Lycos (www.lycos.com)
   
   
2. Enter multiple keywords. If you want to find a Web site on "medieval Arabic music", enter all the terms into the search box.
   
   
3. Use advanced search features. Many Web sites offer an "Advanced Search" option which lets you refine your selection criteria considerably.
   
   
4. Don't forget to browse directories. Some Web sites, such as Yahoo (www.yahoo.com), are organized into directories.
   
   
5. Use Web sites devoted to your topic. Most feature links to other Web sites which are typically hand-edited and screened by subject experts. A list of subject gateways is listed on the Links page of this Web site.
   
   
6. Ask a Listserv. If you are really stuck, you may want to ask a Listserv in your area. Many are devoted to teaching specific fields and members are happy to share information.

MORE TIPS

These Penn State Web sites discuss search and Web site evaluation strategies in greater detail

Information Literacy and You
www.libraries.psu.edu/instruction/infolit/andyou/infoyou.htm

  Serendipity: Collecting Web Sites for Later

Another strategy is to collect and catalog Web sites over time, then access and use them later as needed. In fact, that is how Web sites are primarily collected for this Web page. Here are some ways you can "surf" effectively.

1. Monitor Listservs in your subject area. Listserv members often ask for particular online resources, and other members reply. In addition, new online resources are often announced on public Listservs. Don't forget to share your own list of URL's when needed.
   
   
2. "Back up" the URL. Each slash of a Web address indicates a different directory. The more directories you remove in a URL, the further up in the hierarchy you move. One specific page may turn into online treasure trove.
   
   To take one case, www.searchenginecolossus.com/Argentina.html lists Search Engines in Argentina. But remove the "Argentina.html" and you go to www.searchenginecolossus.com which lists search engines all over the world and is organized by country.
   
   
3. Follow links from subject-specific gateways. "Gateway" Web sites just list links in a given subject area. In addition, many Web sites on a particular topic include a "Links" page. You can follow these links to find more resources. Gateways can be checked periodically to see if new resources have been added.
   
   
4. If you like it, bookmark it. Whenever you see a Web site that looks promising, you should add it to your browser's Bookmarks/Favorites right away. That avoids you having to reconstruct a URL from memory later.
   
   
5. Organize your bookmarks. Browsers allow you organize your Bookmarks/Favorites into folders, rename bookmarks and delete them. Look for a menu item called Organize Favorites (Internet Explorer), Manage Bookmarks (Netscape 6+/Mozilla/Opera), or Show All Bookmarks (Safari) under the Bookmarks/Favorites menu. And remember to back it up. You can save your bookmarks as an HTML file elsewhere and re-import them if needed.

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