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What Would Google Do? … Search Techniques for Better Googling *

What Would Google Do? … Search Techniques for Better Googling *. Ms. Shana Gass, MSLS, MS sgass@towson.edu Reference Librarian June 2010. * and library database searching. What Would Google Do? . nonprofit fundraising nonprofit fundraising nonprofit fundraising research

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What Would Google Do? … Search Techniques for Better Googling *

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  1. What Would Google Do?…Search Techniques for Better Googling* Ms. Shana Gass, MSLS, MS sgass@towson.edu Reference Librarian June 2010 * and library database searching

  2. What Would Google Do? • nonprofit • fundraising • nonprofit fundraising • nonprofit fundraising research What do you think the differences will be among these 4 searches in Google?_______________________________Now try them and see if you were right.

  3. What Google Does…(in a typical search) • Each additional word = fewer, more specific results • All of the words HAVE to be there(Exception: sometimes words are in links pointing to the page) • Think of an invisible “AND” in between words

  4. What Would Google Do? • webcasting podcasting • webcasting OR podcasting What do you think the difference will be (if any) between these 2 searches in Google?__________________________________________Now try them (make sure to type OR in caps) and see if you were right.

  5. What Google Does… • When using OR, Google finds pages including either word. • OR = More! • Good for synonyms, acronyms, alternate spellings, etc. • In Google, the CAPS are required

  6. What Would Google Do? • FirstnameLastname • “FirstnameLastname” [use your own actual name]What do you think the difference will be (if any) between these 2 searches in Google?_______________________________Now try them and see if you were right.

  7. What Google Does… • Treats words within “quotation marks” as an exact phrase—that is, the words have to be next to each other, in the same order!

  8. What Would Google Do? • fundraising radio • radio fundraising What do you think the difference will be (if any) between these 2 searches in Google?_______________________________Now try them and see if you were right.

  9. What Google Does… • Word order matters in Google, because it bumps up “exact phrases” • If stuck, reshuffle your search words • Try typing a particularly important word more than once (I’m serious!)

  10. Advanced Google: What You Can Do • Use Template for search techniques • Search in title, URL • Limit to a domain: • Examples: .edu, .gov • Search for a file format (pps, pdf, xls) • Find “similar pages” • Find out who links to a page

  11. Web Strategies • Ask: Which organizations are likely to collect info on my topic? Visit their sites… • Use “directories” of links • For all topics: • ipl.org • www.intute.ac.uk • Specific examples: • marylandnonprofits.org • KnowThis collection of Marketing links • Human Resource Executive – WorkIndex HR Directory

  12. Ok. Now I know what works in Google…. Cool!

  13. Can I use the same techniques to search library databases? Not always. There are some important differences. Knowing a few things will help you search library databases more efficiently, to focus in on the high-quality information you need.  Read on….

  14. Tips & Tricks for Library Databases • In library databases… • Use and between your essential search wordsExample: radio and marketing • 2-3 consecutive search words are usually treated as an “exact phrase” – watch out! • Looking for a needle in a haystack? You may need to use “advanced search” mode to search every word of the articles • For more, see Smart Searching Handout

  15. Tips & Tricks for Library Databases • The newest articles are usually at the top of your results list. You can often re-sort by relevance • To narrow down a big result list, look for options on the left side of the screen • Advanced/Guided Search gives you flexible options (search in title, subject, full text, etc.) • Only a few good results? Try this: find one article that is “spot on” & examine the “subjects” listed for the article. Then run a new search using the relevant “subject” terminology

  16. Google & Library Database Searching Compared: The Smart Searching Handout

  17. Database Selection Strategies • Choose the appropriate database for your topic! • Cook Library Subject Gateways will help you choose the right database • Sample subject gateways: • Business • Marketing • Psychology • The whole list • Not sure which to use? Cook Library web site > Ask a Librarian • Guide to “Big 4” Business Article databases

  18. Questions? …feel free to contact the Business librarian!Ms.ShanaGass 410-704-2395 sgass@towson.edu Or any reference librarian:Visit – call – IM – email – TXT*Cook Library Web Site > Ask a Librarian *New service! Dial 66746 + begin with askcookNormal txt rates apply!

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