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1. Introduction
2. Annotated list of recommended search sites
3. Why you need a Search strategy

4. Learn your Search syntax
   Search syntax
   Search query math
   Other query construction tips
    

5. Web site search engines, your bookmarks, and your browser history as tools
6. HIT smarts - how to best process the 'hits' list
7. Search trivia, evolving technology, bedtime reading

Search syntax

You'd think that most search engine syntax would be the same. You'd be wrong! Rather than being completely different though, the search syntax of the various search engines is just close enough, to be confusing. Check out the engine by engine differences listed at:

Power Searching For Anyone
(http://searchenginewatch.com/facts/powersearch.html)
• match any
• match all
• exclude
• match phrase
• title searching
• site searching
• URL searching
• link searching
• wildcards
• proximity
• media
• fields

Another handy syntax comparison chart is available courtesy of UC Berkley. University of California, Berkeley -- TWO TABLES of convenient features

(http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/(wrap) Guides/Internet/ToolsTables.html#Recommend)

Search query
math

Search query math

Most novice then to shy away from Boolean logic statements when constructing their search. This is by no means surprising. But, you can have the advantages of Boolean logic by applying basic math to your search query.

If you can do simple math you should have no trouble with implied Boolean operators:

• '+': use a '+' immediately in front of any word you want to require to be in the document. This is the Boolean equivalent of AND
• '-': use a '-' immediately in front of any word you do not want to be in the document. This is the Boolean equivalent of NOT
• '"term1 term2 ..."': use double quotation marks to identify a phrase. A phrase is two or more words that must appear in exactly the same sequence with no other words in between. The phrase can also be used in combination with '+' (to require it be in the document) or with '-' (to exclude those document can contain it).

+monty +python -snake --> "show me pages that contain the words 'monty' and 'python' on the same page, but do not show me the page if it also contains 'snake'"

Get in the habit of using '+' or '-' with each word or phrase of your query. Not only will it make your query very precise, but it will remind you that you can refine your search with additional query words or phrases.

For a fuller explanation of the search query math, check out the site at search engine math techniques.

note: Implied Boolean operators are supported by all the major search engines except for LookSmart.

Other tips

Other query construction tips

1. The more specific you can be the better. Good queries contain words or phrases that exist only in the documents you want. REQUIRE ('+') as many unique words/phrases as possible.

2. Check for 'advanced' search options. Most sites have advance options (along with HELP) for more complex searches.

3. Check your spelling (yes, I know I mentioned this on the previous page, but it bears repeating) before submitting your search. GIGO (garbage in, garbage out!)

Don't be shy, even if all you say is "Hi!".