Internet search results can be improved with the use of power searching.  An Internet power searcher has a knowledge of the basics of on-line searching, a knowledge of how search engines work, an understanding of URL's, and an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the various search engines.

Some of the basics of on-line searching include phrase searching; field searching; limitation by date; restriction by language; truncation and use of wildcards; Boolean searching or simplified Boolean searching; nested searches; and field searches.   Different search engines have a variety of ways that you can refine and control your searches.  Some search engines make these available through a menu system; in others, others requires the use of various commands. The use of these searching strategies puts you in control of your information seeking.  Power searching is precision searching.  Power surfing is the opposite of surfing.     "Surfing is browsing without tools. "(Webster, and Paul, (1996). Beyond Surfing: Tools and Techniques for Searching the Web.  Information Technology.  Surfing may be informative, but it is time-consuming.  Power searching maximizes time time spent on the Web.
 

Effective Internet Searching Web Sites

There are a number of sites devoted to explaining effective Web searching strategies and techniques. Here are some of the most comprehensive:

• Barlow, L. (2002). The Spider's apprentice.

A guide to search engines and how to use them. The site includes ratings as well as tips for searching.
• Cmor, D. & Lippord, K. (2001). Surfing vs, searching: the Web as a research tool. Queen ELizabeth Library. Memorial University of Newfoundland.
• Flanagan, D. (1999 - 2002). Web search strategies.
• A Web site devoted to effective Web search strategies with various engines.  Includes a section on meta search tools, She also has a section of practice exercises with answers.
• Infosearcher. The newsletter for curriculum/technology integration.
• Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction. (2002). How to be a Web Hound.
• Notess, G. (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002). Search Engine Showdown.
• Sullivan, D. Search Engine Watch
• Tilburg University Library (Roger Schmitz)

Comprehensive guide to searching the Web, with guides to Boolean operators, first generation search engines,  second generation search engines, portals, , and paid listings.
• U. C. Berkeley Library. Finding information on the Internet: a tutorial.
• University of South Carolina. Beaufort Library. Bare Bones 101.

Seventeen lessons for effective Web searching.
• Westera, G. (2001) Effective Web searching tutorial.

Gillian Westera, the Information and Education Services Librarian at Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia, provides an tutorial for effective Web searching, a guide to selecting search tools, and a cheat sheet of features of various search tools.
• WW Research

This Writers' Write guide to searching the Web has guides to search engines, links for information about browsers, plug ins, online searching advice.  It is a mix of links to engines and guides to using them.

Articles about power searching on the Internet:

• Dodge, B. (2002).  Four nets for better searching.
• Dodge, B. (2001).  Seven steps to better searching.
• Gunn, H. (2000). Effective Internet Searching for Students
• McKenzie. J. (1998). Searching for the Grail: Power searching with digital logic.  FNO. From Now On: The Educational Technology Journal.  7 (4)
• Methods of searching the Web. (n.d.)

A thirteen page training guide with most of the basics of online searching explained with examples.
• Sullivan, D. (2001) Power searching for anyone.
• U.C. Berkeley. (1995-2001). Beyond general World Wide Web searching.

• Notess, G. (2001) Title searching showdown.
• Hock, R. (1998). How to do field searching in Web search engines: A field trip

Although a 1998 article, the basic principles of field searching are still relevant. Online.
• Understanding URL's The Savvy Cyber Teacher.
• Prosser Schools. (2001). URL trimming

• Auble, R. S. & Delongchamp, D. L. (n.d. ) Teaching Internet search strategies using critical thinking skills. Literature Review.
• Bates, M. E. (1996, November). The seven deadly sins of online searching. Online User,
• Brem, S. K. & Boyes, A.J.. (2000). Using critical thinking to conduct effective searches of online resources. Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation. ERIC Clearinghouse on Assessment and Evaluation.

Knowing how to access information effectively is an important information literacy skill. Because search engine technology, like many other information technologies, is changing rapidly, it is important to keep abreast of changes with search engines, their features, and their capabilities so you can remain a power searcher.

Periodicals

• Computers in Libraries
• Online
  "The leading magazine for information professionals."
• Searcher

• FreePint

A free weekly Newsletter with information and search tips.
• ITI NewsLink

Information Today provides a weekly newsletter, "designed to highlight the information that both users and producers of information products and services need to do their jobs as effectively as possible."
• LLRX.com

Tara Calishain is the editor of LLRX news.  The site provides search engine and Internet news and a free newsletter. Particular law focus, but the newsletter is of interest to anyone seriously interested in searching.
• Pandia Post

Pandia Post provides a numner of newsletters which will update you on search engine developments.
• Research Buxx

News and information about search engines and databases
• Search IQ
  This site rates search tools with an IQ rating. The site has recommended search tools, reviews of search tools, as well as sections on specialized search engines, metasearch engines, search engine news, and a free newsletter.
• Search Engine Watch Newsletters

Search Engine Watch has a number of free newsletters to keep you up to date on search engine developments.

• CyberAtlas

Web trends, news, statistics, and demographics.  Free newsletter service, delivered twice a week.
• NUA Internet Surveys

Resource for Internet trends and statistics.  A free newsletter service is available.

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