Search Strategies for the Web
Search Engines do not operate in the same ways as the Library Catalog or Databases!
Below are tips for finding resources using web search engines.
1. Remember the Search Field is ALWAYS a Keyword Search!
- Search Engines only find words that appear on their algorithm-indexed webpages.
2. Brainstorm Keywords in Advance
- Unique words specific to your research
- Multiple words with common synonyms
Example:
The Keywords human morality in Star Wars would return results including the words morals, moral philosophy, ethics, movies, Star Wars...
3. Use Quotation Marks
- Place quotation marks ("") around multiple words
- This searches for the phrase rather than the individual words
Example:
"Star Wars Episode VII" would return results ONLY including the exact phrase "Star Wars Episode VII".
4. Choose Your Keyword Order Carefully
Example:
Star Wars would return different results than Wars Star.
5. Add a Plus Sign (+) Before Required Words
- Search engines do not search for some words
- i.e. an, and, the, I, where, what, how
- A (+) before a required word forces its inclusion in the results
Example:
Star Wars may +the force would require a search engine to include the.
6. Add a Minus Sign (-) Before Excluded Words and Domains
Example:
Star Wars -Trek -.com would force a search engine to NOT return results with the Keyword Trek or a .com domain name.
Remember that your chosen Search Engine may offer Advanced Search options.
Do not be afraid to experiment!
