If you really want to search effectively for information on the Internet, it makes sense to be aware of your options. Then you can choose the option that best suits the type of information that you are looking for. There are three approaches to searching for subjects on the Internet:

1. using a search engine
2. using a subject directory
3. using databases

1. Using a Search Engine

What it is:

A search engine allows you to search for a specific word, words, or a phrase that is on a website. This is called keyword searching.

How it works:

A search engine routinely combs through the files on the Internet and compiles an index of words appearing in those files.

When you go to a search engine site, you type a word or words in the search form. The search engine then searches through its index. It returns a list of links to files that have the word or words you asked for (a "hit list").

You have to go through the hit list to see if the information that you want is there.

A search engine is useful when:

• you have a narrow subject (example, "doberman pinchers" )
• or, you have a specific name or unique set of terms (example: "gnome research austria")

Smart searching

Searching by keyword is a good approach if you are looking for something specific. If you have a broad subject or a common word, you will get too many hits to go through. When you plan to search by keyword, think of a specific word or combination of words that will pinpoint your subject. Also think of synonyms. You may get a different set of hits when you search for "Blacks," "Negroes," or "African-Americans."

All search engines are not the same. Some search one part of a document, such as the title or first few words. Other search engines search the full document. Also, one search engine may be more up-to-date than another. If you are not finding what you want, try more than one search engine. Each of the search engines has different search conventions and little tricks or special features. If you plan to use the Internet regularly, you could improve your search effectiveness by learning the conventions of several search engines. Each search engine's site has a link to search information or help.

Go to the list of search engines, subject directories, and database collections.

2. Using a Subject Directory

What it is:

A subject directory is a list of sites organized by topic. The list may be compiled by a person or group who search for and evaluate sites. It may also be compiled by submissions from individuals who ask to have their sites included in the list. This approach to is very different from that of a search engine. A search engine uses a robot computer to comb through the files on the Internet and does not evaluate the content of the site.

A subject directory is useful when:

• you have a broad subject (for example, genealogy)
• or, you want an overview of what is available on a topic. (for example: a list of Civil War Websites)

Smart Searching:

A plus for using subject directories that sites on these lists are really about the subject. Unlike a search engine, a site is on the list for more than just having a search term somewhere on one of its pages.

Sometimes the fact that a website is on a list implies that the website has met a certain standard for accuracy. Most subject directories do evaluate sites in some way, but not all of them are concerned with high standards. You need to judge for yourself the quality of the website.

On the minus side, subject directories may list sites by the overall content of the site and miss specialized sections or files. They may miss new sites that appear on the Internet, because they do not routinely search for them using a robot computer.

Several sites on the Internet maintain extensive lists. The best known of these sites is Yahoo, but Yahoo is not all inclusive. There are other subject directories. They may include sites that suit your needs better.

Go to the list of search engines, subject directories, and database collections.

3. Using Databases

What they are:

A database is a collection of information, such as population statistics, that is stored on a computer. These little bits of information are stored in files that are different than the usual pages that you see on the Web.

A database is useful for:

• archives (for example, magazines and newspaper articles)
• factual data (for example, statistics)
• library catalogs
• business inventories

Many organizations make their databases available from their websites. These databases can be good sources of information; they are often up to date--some to the very minute; they may be searchable in various ways, allowing you to customize your search.

Smart searching:

Because search engines can only look at pages/files on the Internet, they cannot index the information in a database. If you only use a search engine to find information, you may be missing a good resource in the form of a database. To make up for this gap, there are web sites devoted to listing databases available on the Internet.

Go to the list of search engines, subject directories, and database collections.

"It ain't necessarily so"

Don't believe everything you read on the Internet. Just because it is there, doesn't mean it is necessarily accurate. Ask yourself a few questions:

• Who stands behind the information on this site. Is it a respected institution or expert?
• If currency matters, is this information up to date?
• Does it represent a bias? A certain point of view may be fine, if that is what you want; but it is not good, if you are looking for objective, factual information.

The best sources of information may not be free --
but they may be for you

Many very good sources of information are on the Internet. Some are free and some are not. Many companies are in the business of compiling information and charging for access to it. The Santa Cruz Public Libraries purchases the rights to use several online databases. All of them are available to you for free when you use them in the Library. In addition, some of them are also available from home--without charge-- if you have a Santa Cruz Public Library card and PIN (Personal Identification Number). Go to:

If you do not have a Santa Cruz Public Library card, contact your own local library and see what resources it makes available.

It may not be on the Internet or there may be a better source

The Internet has many great sources of information, but it is not the great repository of all knowledge. The information that you want may be available, but in some other format. You might find your information in a magazine article, a book (!), a video, or a fee-based database. Ask your local reference librarian for help with your search.