Improve your online searching skills immediately

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True story: I received a request for help. The patron said that he “has been searching online for an hour” and could not locate X. In less than 15 minutes, I was delivering X to the patron. Librarian magic? Nope, I used the phone.

My point is that we (me included) seem to use the computer as our “default” research tool. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but we to remind ourselves that it may not be the best resource. In addition, if we are going to spend an hour online, it should be productive. With that in mind, here is my “top 10” list of research reminders – most we have heard before but seem to forget. Apply them and you will immediately improve your searching skills.

1. Use more than one search engine.

Research shows that each engine generates different results. Start with your favorite, but try running your search in Ask, Dogpile, Clusty, etc.

2. Start with the right search engine

Searching for government documents? Use Google Government. Looking for federal legislation? Use THOMAS.

3. Use the “advanced” search function of the engine.

Weed out the commercial sites and irrelevant hits. My next post will discuss this in detail.

4. Organize your bookmarks.

Use a social bookmarking tool or create folders to assist in quickly locating websites that have proved useful.

5. Avoid bad queries.

Take a minute and plan your query. If you put in the word “bridge,” do you mean a musical bridge, the one in your mouth, or the one that crosses the river to Grandma’s house?

6. Really, not everything is on the Web.

Don’t waste time looking for something that isn’t there. If you don’t find it a few minutes, think of other possible sources for the information.

7. Remember secondary sources and items in your library.

Treatises are often the ideal starting point for research. Seminal case law, statutory references and explanation can be found in a single source. (Yep, step slowly away from your computer).

8. Consult the expert.

This might be another member of your firm or someone just a phone call away.

9. The public library is full of information.

As an example, if you have a City of Milwaukee library card (yes, businesses can get one) you have ONLINE access to a variety of databases including Associations Unlimited, Clinical Pharmacology, D&B Million Dollar Database, MorningStar, Small Business Resource Center, plus many more.

10. Is it included in your Westlaw, Lexis, LoisLaw, BNA, CCH, etc. online subscription?

Your time is valuable. Do not forget your online subscription based resources.