Web Browsing: Searching Efficiently

• Pick the right Web site to start your search. There are hundreds of Web sites that can help you find the information you’re looking for. Each of these sites has strengths and weaknesses. For example, Google can search a large number of Web pages and find information that might otherwise be inaccessible. But Google can be frustrating for the same reason; you must sometimes sift through lots of less-than-useful links to find what you’re looking for.
  
  Here are two lists of Web sites that are especially good places to start a search:
  
  Pike School Library Search Tips. Short list of selected Web sites to start searching and good strategies for using them.
  
  NoodleTools. List of search objectives ("I need personal help from experts", "I need to understand the scope of my topic", etc.) and the best sites for each.
  
  
• When you've found your starting place, read its rules and learn to use it efficiently. Each Web site that helps you search has different rules for searching. For example, when you search Google you should avoid connecting words like "and" or "or", and you should type the most important concept first (e.g., inventors 19th century instead of 19th century inventors). On the other hand, Ask.com has somewhat different rules. Take some time to read the help that's available when you start searching.
  
  
• Choose your search terms wisely. When you type in the words you're looking for, think about what words will "hook" just the information you need. For example, if you're taking a vacation on Maui, you'll get better results if you enter Lahaina vacation rentals than places to stay on Maui.
  
  
• Bookmark sites you use frequently, and organize your bookmarks. See Web Browsing: Using Bookmarks.