Organising Search Information

Beginning module 4, I signed up to start using Connotea. I have never used or had a need for this type of application before but as the concepts assignment lingers near, I needed to find a way of organising information.

I am not sure whether any information from my Boolean search task is needed towards my assignment (I haven’t decided on 4 concepts yet), but I will follow through with the topic, ‘Searching the web’, for the remaining module 4 tasks.

Source 1

URL: http://www.sc.edu/beaufort/library/pages/bones/bones.shtml

AUTHOR: E. Chamberlain

INSTITUTION: The University of South Carolina Beaufort Library

Bare Bones 101: A basic tutorial on searching the web

“The information contained in the following lessons is truly "bare bones," designed to get you started in the right direction with a minimum of time and effort. For more comprehensive and detailed help on searching the Web, consult our recommended list of sites in Lesson 20 at the end of this tutorial.” Chamberlain, E (2007)

I found this website by typing ‘searching the web’ into the Google search engine. Listing 2nd on the page, the words Bare Bones instantly caught my eye, and I pursued to look further into what was noted as a basic tutorial.

In terms of finding a straight forward, well informed tutorial, Bare Bones 101 fulfilled all of this. The tutorial consists of 20 lessons to enhancing your searching abilities, but also gives you the option to link straight to a ‘quick search tips’ area if you decide to just browse the site for information. It is well presented and offers the reader all the information they need to learn the fundamentals of searching for information on the internet.

Source 2

URL: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/internet/search/index.html

AUTHOR: Purdue Owl

INSTITUTION: Purdue University, Owl Writing Lab

Searching the World Wide Web
Untangle the web to find a wealth of information.

“The Internet is a terrific resource. It contains hundreds of web sites dedicated to thousands of topics. With so many sites, it is easy to get lost. Knowing the types of search tools available and mastering some general search tips can make your search more profitable.” Moore, J (n.d)

I chose this website from a search using Copernic. It ranked 1st on the page with a 93% relevancy rating.

The information within this site offers identifying and using the different search engines available to users and general tips when searching a topic on the internet. It doesn’t have as in depth information as the ‘Bare bones tutorial’ but I was interested in the option of learning how to evaluate a website. Once again, being an educational resource, the information is clear and easy to understand.

Source 3

URL: http://www.internettutorials.net/boolean.html

AUTHOR: Laura Cohen

INSTITUTION: University at Albany, SUNY

Boolean Searching on the Internet
A Primer in Boolean Logic

"The Internet is a vast computer database. As such, its contents must be searched according to the rules of computer database searching. Much database searching is based on the principles of Boolean logic. Boolean logic refers to the logical relationship among search terms, and is named for the British-born Irish mathematician George Boole." Cohen, L (2008)

Once again I chose to use a search within Copernic. The Boolean tutorial appeared 2nd with a 91% relevancy to my search.

When I first entered the website I didn’t realise it was the same resource used in the Boolean task. I find this a relevant site to save because it focuses purely on advance searching techniques as apposed to my other chosen sites which cover web searching in general.
The use of lists and diagrams throughout this website are extremely clear to understand and I found the link at the very bottom of the page, How to chose a search engine or directory, http://www.internettutorials.net/choose.html quite informative to my research.

References:

Chamberlain, E (2007) Bare bones “Searching the Web “tutorial. Beaufort: University of South Carolina. Viewed 17 July 2008, http://www.sc.edu/beaufort/library/pages/bones/bones.shtml

Moore, J (n.d) Searching the World Wide Web. Owl online writing lab: Purdue University. Viewed 17 July 2008, http://owl.english.purdue.edu/internet/search/index.html

Cohen, L (2008) Boolean Searching on the internet. Internet Tutorials: University at Albany, SUNY. Viewed 17 July 2008, http://www.internettutorials.net/boolean.html