Search and Evaluate the Web
Searching on Google
Google - the "world's most popular search engine".
Its mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.
The Google search engine algorithm ranks Web pages not just by content and keywords, but by how many other Web pages linked to each page
Google assumes an automatic AND connection between words so that all the words you type in will be searched.
To search for either one of several words use OR which has to be capitalized, example: rules OR regulations. Common words such as "how, where, when, is, not" are ignored.
Some basic tips: from www.google.com (Go to: About Google - HELP - Web Search Help - Google Search Basics - More Search Help)
  • + forces words to be included in search, example: +export +license
  • - prevents a term from being used in results, example: +export -regulations
  • " " quotes around words will search the exact phrase/words, example: "export regulations" +license
  • ~ searches for synonyms, example: import ~tips (will also get help or guide)
  • site: restricts results to a given domain, example: site:gov +export ~license
  • link: links web pages that link to the given web page, example: link: www.globaledge.msu.edu
  • intitle: searches for documents with first word after intitle operator in their title, for example: intitle:export intitle:license
After running your search, pay attention to bottom of screen where "Searches related to Your topic" will be listed using Google headings.
Example Search: "distributors usa" +wine - Search Related headings: liquor distributors usa


Other Web Searching Resources
Evaluating Web Sites
- From the University of Maryland Libraries.
Search the Web & Evaluate Web Resources
- From the University of Maryland, University College. Reviews search engine features and how to evaluate search results.
Search Engine Search Tips from University of North Florida
- Provides search tips on how to search the many different search engines, i.e., Google, Bing, Clusty, etc.
Remember to cite your sources

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  Last Updated: Sunday, 25-Oct-2009 18:10:07 EDT