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Web Search Tools:  A Basic Strategy

Different types of search tools work best for different types of questions.  Words and phrases used in searching  can be more important than the actual search tool selected.   There are four basic types of search tools:

  1. Subject Directories - for an introduction or overview
  2. Meta Search Engines - to search more than one search engine at a time
  3. Search Engines - to focus search and use advanced features
  4. Subject-Specific Search Engines

Additional sources for help:

1.  Subject Directory  -- use to find a broad overview or introduction to a subject.  Web sites are selected by humans because they contain some degree of quality.  This means that although you will find fewer search results, the information may be more accurate.

2.  Meta Search Engine -- use find how well your subject is covered and what terms work best.  Meta search engines search more than one search engine at a time and show you a few results (not all) from each one.

3.  Search Engine and Hybrids (combined subject directory/search engine) -- use to focus search and find specific items.   Unlike subject directories, search engines rely only on computers (not humans) to find information.  This means that searches will retrieve many results that may or may not contain reliable information.  Many advanced features are available, making it possible to find very specific information. 

4.  Subject-Specific Search Engines and Webliographies -- find a database or guide for your subject or type of information needed.  Some subject-specific guides use humans to select Web sites while others use computers. These often contain unique entries not found in the general search engines. They may also include helpful annotations.

You may also find subject-specific guides by searching subject directories for your subject plus a word like "database," "guide," or "directory."  (For example, search for:  biology guide)   See Finding Multimedia on the Web for finding graphics, audio/music or video files.  Some examples of subject-specific resources are listed below:

For more subject guides, see Research Guides.