MetaSearch Tools

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Meta-Search Tools
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Meta-Search Tools
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Meta-Search Tools

• Search for information from a variety of
  sources, then let users decide which
  information is the most appropriate or useful
• Are not indexes or databases, but search programs
  that search Web indexes, search engines, and
  sometimes other meta-searchers

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Meta-Search Tools

• Information retrieved is not selected or
  evaluated, and there is no thesaurus structure
• Meta-searchers are designed to save both time
  and keystrokes, but are not designed for complex
  word searching

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Problems with Meta-Search Tools

• Most people think that the more search tools a
  meta-searcher searches the more complete the
  search in theory this is truebut they really
  dont provide a more complete search
• The reasonmeta-searchers are subject to the
  same search tool restrictions/limitations as we
  are

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Problems with Meta-Search Tools

• Meta-searchers just send simple and searches to
  search toolsthey are not designed to pass on
  more complex word searches

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So What Can You Do?

• Use Meta-searchers primarily to compare and
  contrast the results that different search
  engines and indexes retrieve
• Add additional words to your search string to
  eliminate pre-programmed results and view sites
  beyond the display limit Example nathan symthe
  schuylkill

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So What Can You Do?

• Use additional search tools the locate
  information found in only database format (and
  invisible to common search tools)
• Try adding the word database to your search
  terms