Search Tools: tool characteristics, search tool sampler | Search Strategies: keyword, phrase, concept, boolean, field, wildcard | Evaluating Information | Supplemental Links
Searching the Web: Using Search Tools
The Web is a valuable tool for finding information on the Internet. Unlike a library, however, the Web doesn't have one central location or catalog system that we can use to locate information.
What Are Search Tools?
In the Web's short existence, a number of search tools have been created to make finding information on the Web much more manageable. Although search tools look and act a little differently, most search tools share these features:
- A method for creating databases that contain references to thousands of Web pages. These databases can be maintained by hand or generated automatically.
- An interface (usually a form) for searching this database. Many search engines give you several options for searching the database. For example, you can search for pages that
- contain different combinations of keywords,
- were created within a certain time frame, or
- were published in a certain format such as images, video clips, or newsgroup messages.
- An interface for displaying the results of the search. Search engines offer several options for displaying which pages match your search terms. Some common features include
- a link to the actual web page,
- a brief description or excerpt from the page, and
- a rating score to let you know how closely the page met your match.
The Master Internet Volunteer Program was developed by the University of Minnesota Extension Service and was adapted for use in North Dakota with permission. Copyright © 2000 North Dakota State University. All rights reserved.
North Dakota State University Extension Service