PowerSearch.1
Schedule pending -- please check back later
Instructor: Joe Barker
PowerSearch 1
How do I find...
- The truth about the original recipe for Coca-Cola?
- The history of the fax machine?
- Child poverty statistics in different states and countries?
How do I know...
- Whether I can trust an answer once I find it on the Web?
- Which search engines are the best?
- What is the most efficient way to search them?
- When I should use directories instead?
Workshop Description: An introduction to Web searching using search engines, directories, and basic search techniques aimed at answering reference questions and finding information on the Internet. Exercises will cover search techniques.
Highlights: The course includes instruction and exercises giving practical techniques in the following areas:
About Searching the Internet
- What are the Internet and World Wide Web? How do they work?
- What are directories and search engines and meta-search engines?
- Keyboard commands for speed and ergonomics
Search Engines
- The best search engines to begin most searches, and their basic features
- Basic search techniques for search engines - enough for 99% of all questions
- Analyzing a question to find the best elements to search on, and formulating effective, uncomplicated searches
Subject Directories
- Introduction to the Librarians' Index to the Internet and other quality directories
- Finding directories focused on a specific topic
- How to formulate effective searches for subject directories and focused directories
Evaluating What You Find for Reliability & Overall Search Strategy
- Critical techniques and questions for evaluating what you find: "Is this answer good enough to give a patron? How do I know? What caveats should I include?"
Putting It All Together
- When to invoke basic search engines and when to invoke directories for efficient and effective searching
Who should attend: Anyone working in a California library who wants to learn more about searching the Internet efficiently to answer questions.
Prerequisites: Basic Web navigation skills.
Please Note: There is a $75.00 fee for this workshop. Infopeople does not provide parking passes, lunch or refreshments.
Check-in: 8:30 to 9 AM Instruction: 9 AM to 4:30 PM
