Better searches.
Better results.
Here are some helpful search tips that you can use when you are searching Google.
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“ ” |
Exact Phrase:
What it does: searches for an exact phrase What to type: “global warming” What you will get: results that include the phrase “global warming” |
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- |
Excluded words:
What it does: excludes search results with a particular word or phrase What to type: apple -computer What you will get: none of the results will have the word computer in them. |
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~ |
Similar Words: What it does: searches for a word and all its synonyms What to type: ~mobile phone What you will get: results with the word phone, as well as cell, cellular, wireless, etc. Another example: cat ~nutrition This will give you results that contain cat along with nutrition, food, protein, health, etc |
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OR (must be in capital letters)
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Multiple Words
What it does: searches for webpages that include either words. What to type: masai OR nomads. What you will get: results with the word masai and/or nomads. |
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define: |
Find Meanings
What it does: defines a word or phrase What to type: define: global warming What you will get: links to definitions of the term global warming |
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site:edu |
Site Specific
What it does: searches only particular websites What to type: global warming site:edu What you will get: references to global warming found on educational sites. |
Tips about using keywords…
There are many ways to search online…
· When searching it is important to use the keywords appropriate to what search tool you are using. For example – it is best to use one general term when searching the library catalogue, one or two words when searching online encyclopaedia or wikipedia, and a variety of words and search shortcuts when using Google.
· If you do not find the information you need – KEEP TRYING! Remember Google is not human, it is a programme.
· When searching Google you may need to use synonyms (different words that have much the same meaning). Try the google shortcut ~. For example ~mobile phone to get all results related to this.
· Ask yourself – “what is it that I am looking for?” “What are the common terms?” You can often find the keywords in your research question.
· Correct spelling is important although Google will often ask you “do you mean….?”
· You can use general keywords like – facts, FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions), information, statistics, biography, history. For example, you might search “carbon footprint” facts into your search box to find facts on carbon footprints.
Remember, if you don’t get the information you want – try again!
Not sure where to start your search? Try…..
Library Catalogue, Encyclopaedia in the Reference section of the library, Britannica Online, Infoblitz, Wikipedia, Google, Google Wonder Wheel, Australian/New Zealand Reference Centre……..
All these can be found through Library Online
