Web Search Evaluation & Citation

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
   1. Course Background
   2. Prepare to Search
   3. Search Examples
2. Learn
   1. Searching
   2. Subject Guides
   3. Subject Guides Example
   4. Web Directories
   5. Web Directories Example
   6. Search Engines
   7. Search Engine Example
   8. MetaSearch Engines
   9. MetaSearch Engine Example
   10. Preparing to Search
   11. Think about your topic
   12. List Search Terms
   13. Communicating with Search Tools
   14. Search Operator: AND
   15. Search Operator: OR
   16. Search Operator: NOT
   17. Advanced Searches
   18. Evaluation
   19. Finding Information
   20. Validating Sources
   21. Using Alexa
   22. Using Wayback Machine
   23. Using Search Engines
   24. Citation
   25. Online Citation Tools
   26. Starting Noodle Tools
   27. Using Noodle
   28. Using Citation Machine
   29. Using Source Aid
3. Practice
   1. Searching
   2. Evaluation
   3. Citation
4. Discuss
   1. WikiSpaces Discussion
5. Reflect & Assess
6. Collaborate & Contribute
   1. Feedback
7. Extend

Preparing to Search

Before You Search

You may not have to drive to a library or take out an encyclopedia to begin your search. That does not mean that you should begin typing key words into your search engine immediately. Searches can be executed quickly. Poor searches with too many results, with off-topic results, and with confusing results can lead to frustration just as quickly. Taking a few minutes before you search can save you from walking away from your computer without finding what you are looking for.