Selecting a search strategy

There are two basic strategies for locating information on the Web:

• searching and
• browsing.

Searching and browsing have many connotations and are used in many different ways in reference to the Web. In this module, searching implies the searching a database based on certain criteria for relevant Web sites and pages, while browsing refers to the selection of criteria from preselected terms organized hierarchically by subject categories.

Most people automatically prefer to search rather than browse. According to Jakob Nielsen, a Web usability expert, 50% of all users prefer to search, whereas 20% prefer to browse. (in Search and You *May* Find. 15 July 1997. 21 Apr. 2002 <http://www.useit.com/alertbox/9707b.html>.) The other 30% use a hybrid of the two strategies.

There are Web tools that are specific to each of these strategies. Before you can make an informed decision about which strategy and tool are best for your needs, you should know a little about how each of the tools works.

There are two basic types of tools for searching the Web:

• search engines and
• Web directories.

This module will introduce:

• search engines,
• directories,
• selecting the proper tool,
• advanced search teachniques and tips, and
• using bookmarks.

This module was created by Christie Thomas, with assistance from Connie Amon, Nicole Zumpano, and Craig Cunningham. Please contact Christie Thomas or Craig Cunningham with questions or comments about the contents of this module.