Megan Bucheimer
SLM 521
Spring 2005
My Favorite Search Engines
General Search Engines
Google – This site has
a simple first page with a box for the important information. The search engine
is able to browse through its resources and report the possible hits. It is
also equipped with spell checking, dictionary definitions, street maps, phone
numbers, and other useful information. Date visited
http://www.google.com
Yahoo! – There are
useful tabs on the first page, as well as a word box for a word search. The
tabs allow the user to look for Yellow Page listings, images, and shopping
search engine. It is easy to use, and it responds with a large number of
appropriate “hits.” Date visited
http://www.yahoo.com
Academic Search Engines
Academic Info –
This site has information related to academic interests, ranging from degree
programs to a reference desk. It also has a subject gateway section with links
to educational course work subject areas. It is easy to navigate, and has a lot
of options on the first page. Date visited
http://www.academicinfo.net
Infomine – This site
has a good search bar, and many subject category search tabs. It is able to
edit the results of a search so only the most relevant sites are “hits.” The
design of the page is fresh, and the layout is user-friendly. Date visited
http://infomine.ucr.edu
News Search Engines
Yahoo! News – The
format is easy to read, the keyword search is fast, and it is updated every
five minutes. The up-to-the-minute reporting covers top stories, business
world, sports, entertainment, and other good categories. It has links for world
news, as well as local, science, business, weather, etc. It has a Top Stories
section with reports from eleven top news agencies. Date visited
http://news.yahoo.com
Google News – The site
has links for top stories, world,
http://news.google.com
Medical Search Engines
Web MD – Known as a reliable
source of information within the medical community, this search engine is easy
to navigate. It has a “conditions center” which has links to various medical
problems, as well as a search tab. The format is easy to read, and has tabs to
several health related topics. Date visited
http://www.webmd.com
Medline Plus – The
site is compiled from medical information from the U.S. National Institutes of
Health and the U.S. National Library of Medicine. It has many useful links,
including links for drug information, news, medical encyclopedia, and clinical
trial information. It also has a link for interactive tutorials with
slideshows. Date visited
http://medlineplus.gov
Government Search Engine
SearchGov – A web
search tool specifically for searching for government related information. It
covers all levels of government, from federal agencies and laws, to state and
local governments. This site will be useful when searching for most topics
related to a government agency, as well as many independent agencies. Date
visited
http://www.searchgov.com
FirstGov – This
search engine tailors its search for each audience, including students,
businesses, homeowners, other governments, etc. A reference center is
available, and it contains government forms, laws, and data and statistics.
Date visited
http://www.firstgov.gov
Kid Safe Search Engines
Ask Jeeves for Kids –
Kids can type in questions, and this site will direct them to an appropriate
web site that answers the question. They can type in their own question, or
they can choose from a selection of tabs including: dictionary, thesaurus, math
help, science, etc. The format is colorful and fun, which would hold a kid’s
attention. Date visited
http://www.ajkids.com
Kids Click! – A web search tool that was created for kids
by librarians. It has over 5000 web sites, and it is monitored by librarians.
The format and layout is fresh, and aimed at children’s interest level. It has
an interesting tab at the bottom that allows the menu to be seen “through a
librarian’s eyes.” Date visited
http://www.kidsclick.org