Karen Roof   
June 20, 2003

Following is a list of five search tips that will help students to complete research on such general search engines as Google, Yahoo, AltaVista, HotBot and Lycos. 

Search Tips:

1.  Be Specific - Ask the search engine for exactly what you want to know.  If you are searching for websites created by teachers, type in "teacher-made websites."  Sometimes stating your specific question or problem works.  For example, "I cannot install a USB device in Windows 98."

2.  Use "Search Math!" - A "+" symbol tells the search engine to search for all of the words you enter.  Only those pages that include every word will be located.  To find biographical information on Emily Dickinson, type:

                                Emily + Dickinson + biography

    Subsequently, a "-" symbol informs the search engine of the words you do not wish to include in the search.  If you        
    would like to find information on Robert Frost, but do not want sites that only describe his most famous works, including
    "Mending Wall" or "Stopping by Woods," omit them from your search.  Simply type:

                                Robert Frost - Mending Wall - Stopping by Woods

    Now that you know how to add and subtract terms, we can move on to multiplication.  As in normal math, multiplying
    terms through a "phrase search" can be a much better way to get the answers you are looking for.  To tell the search      
    engine want to locate articles with specific words in a specific order, simply enclose your phrase in quotation marks.  To
    find information on symbolism in the poetry of Henry David Thoreau type:

                                "symbolism in Henry David Thoreau's poems"

    Note:  Each of these symbols my be used alone, or in conjunction/combined with others.

3.  Use the "search within results"/"search these results" features. - These features are designed to narrow down the results found by an initial search.  Such general search engines allow users to further limit their results by clicking on one of the above-mentioned features.  Among these particular search engines include AltaVista, HotBot, Google and Lycos. 

4.  Perform an Advanced Search.  - Many general search engines allow users to perform an "advanced search" on their desired topics.  By clicking on this option, users may limit their search to specific categories, domains, dates, formats, etc.

5.  Search the Library of Congress Homepage.  - The Library of Congress Website provides comprehensive resources and information on over 12 million records ranging from such resources as books, computer files, music, sound recordings, manuscripts, etc.  Over 3.2 million catalog records are available, as well as are displays of various searching aides for users. 
The site is located at http://www.loc.gov.

With these five search tips, students may explore and practice searching the general search engines.  Students may utilize the symbols and other formats mentioned to complete both general and specific searches.  Users should try a variety of different words/word arrangements relevant to their desired search topics.