Web Search Engines
Even though Google is the most popular way to search the net, there are many other useful search engines, offering a variety of tools when navigating the web. A selection of good sites are rated here, each with its own unique search features. So experiment and find a search engine that best suits you!
Alta Vista
Simple search box, world wide or Australian. Can also search for images, mp3/audio, video and news. Babel Fish Translation tool allows conversion of text into various languages.
ANZwers
Simple Australian and New Zealand search engine that searches local content and media. Also has local directory, shopping and job searching.
Ask.com
Simple search box with quick search links for images, news, blogs. Options to Narrow Your Seach, Expand Your Search and Related Terms, are offered on the left side of the web hits. Also able to customise the background skin.
Clusty
Easy to use meta search engine that searches the major search engines in one go. Clusters of are listed on the left hand side, providing related and more specific searches.
The most popular search engine. Offers different spelling options with 'Did you mean'. Clicking on seach terms offers a dictionary meaning. Links to Google Scholar which searches books, citations and articles.
IxQuick
Meta search engine that provides star ratings for each hit (the more stars, the more times a search engine has rated it in the top ten). Provides hit and miss buttons allowing the user to remove useless searches or find more similar useful searches. Also has cutomised search settings.
Librarians' Index to the Internet
Offers search bar as well as subject index. Broad subject terms are listed and then broken down into narrower subjects. Websites are given a short description as well as related subject links.
Ms Dewey
Ask the interactive and comical personality, Ms Dewey any question. For fun and playful searching, rather than marvelous results.
Yahoo
Provides links to the Yahoo Directory which offers related categories and Yahoo Answers where you can ask a question and receive a response from a real person. Beware the advertisements on the home page.
Remember that the internet is not always 'truthful'. Be careful with advertising and the hierarchy of searches; the first hit may not be the best or the most accurate. Check and compare your sources with other websites or books. The internet (just like newspapers, television and books) offers opposing and often contradictory opinions.
For more information
- Check the shelves:
Studying using the web: the student's guide to using the ultimate information resource 025.04 CLE - Search the LLC Catalogue with the key terms 'web searching' or 'internet searching'
- Explore the other LLC Learning Tips Referencing and Bibliographies and Finding Information
- Ask a Librarian!
- Do you have any favourite search engines or some great web searching tips? Let the LLC know!
