…Search Techniques for
Better Googling*
Ms. Shana Gass, MSLS, MS sgass@towson.edu
Reference Librarian
June 2010
* and library database searching

What Would Google Do? a) nonprofit b) fundraising c) nonprofit fundraising d) nonprofit fundraising research
What do you think the differences will be among these 4 searches in Google?
_______________________________
Now try them and see if you were right.

• Each additional word = fewer, more specific results
• All of the words HAVE to be there
(Exception: sometimes words are in links pointing to the page)
• Think of an invisible “AND” in between words

What Would Google Do?
What do you think the difference will be
(if any) between these 2 searches in Google?
__________________________________________
Now try them (make sure to type OR in caps) and see if you were right.

What Google Does…
• When using OR, Google finds pages including either word.
• OR = More!
• Good for synonyms, acronyms, alternate spellings, etc.
• In Google, the CAPS are required

What Would Google Do?
[use your own actual name]
What do you think the difference will be
(if any) between these 2 searches in Google?
_______________________________
Now try them and see if you were right.

What Google Does…
• Treats words within “quotation marks” as an exact phrase — that is, the words have to be next to each other, in the same order!

What Would Google Do?
What do you think the difference will be
(if any) between these 2 searches in Google?
_______________________________
Now try them and see if you were right.

What Google Does…
• Word order matters in Google, because it bumps up “exact phrases”
• If stuck, reshuffle your search words
• Try typing a particularly important word more than once (I’m serious!)

Advanced Google:
What You Can Do
• Use Template for search techniques
• Search in title, URL
• Limit to a domain:
– Examples: .edu, .gov
• Search for a file format (pps, pdf, xls)
• Find “similar pages”
• Find out who links to a page

• Ask :
Which organizations are likely to collect info on my topic? Visit their sites…
• Use “directories” of links
– For all topics:
• ipl.org
• www.intute.ac.uk
– Specific examples:
• marylandnonprofits.org
• KnowThis collection of Marketing links
• Human Resource Executive – WorkIndex HR Directory

Ok. Now I know what works in
Google….
Cool!

Can I use the same techniques to search library databases?
Not always. There are some important differences.
Knowing a few things will help you search library databases more efficiently, to focus in on the high-quality information you need. 
Read on….

• In library databases…
– Use and between your essential search words
Example: radio and marketing
– 2-3 consecutive search words are usually treated as an “exact phrase” – watch out!
– Looking for a needle in a haystack?
You may need to use “advanced search” mode to search every word of the articles
– For more, see Smart Searching Handout

Tips & Tricks for Library
Databases
• The newest articles are usually at the top of your results list. You can often re-sort by relevance
• To narrow down a big result list, look for options on the left side of the screen
• Advanced/Guided Search gives you flexible options (search in title, subject, full text, etc.)
• Only a few good results? Try this: find one article that is “spot on” & examine the “subjects” listed for the article. Then run a new search using the relevant “subject” terminology

Google & Library Database
Searching Compared:
The Smart Searching Handout

Database Selection Strategies
• Choose the appropriate database for your topic!
• Cook Library Subject Gateways will help you choose the right database
• Sample subject gateways:
– Business
– Marketing
– Psychology
– The whole list
• Not sure which to use?
Cook Library web site > Ask a Librarian
• Guide to “Big 4” Business Article databases

…feel free to contact the Business librarian!
Ms.Shana Gass
410-704-2395 sgass@towson.edu
Or any reference librarian:
Visit – call – IM – email – TXT*
Cook Library Web Site > Ask a Librarian
*New service! Dial 66746 + begin with askcook
Normal txt rates apply!