After reading the IRIS tutorials I wanted to find Search Tools in each category that made it simple to locate search tips or a help icon. I am a person that likes instructions easily accessible.
Internet Search Tool: Bing
I thought it was interesting how Bing's homepage had hotspots that gave you information about the picture you are looking at. The homepage has a "Help Icon" on it. When you access the Table of Contents, a clear precise list is posted. The directions are understandable and easy to follow. Having this information so easily accessible made this a search tool that i wanted to explore
I liked the feature of Not having to type the word "and" in your search. By default all searches are "and" searches.
I also liked how there are Tabs at the top of the page and how you can See results in a different category, such as video, news, etc... all dealing with your search statement you gave entered, just by clicking a different tab.
I also like the Cached Page that comes up on the right hand side that Gives you a brief introduction of the site. This is a great insight feature which gives you a chance to see if it might be worth your time to actually go to the site. Sometimes the blurb under the title of the site just does not give you enough information and sometimes I wasted time going to sites that were not beneficial.
I also like the feature of the Search History which shows you what you have searched for and is posted on the left side of the screen under related searches. This allows you to visually keep track of exactly what you have used for your search statement.
I also like how if you have Already done a search and you want to Do an Advanced Search, the results from your previous search stays posted and the Advance Search box is placed at the top of the page still allowing you to view the list of site results.
Metasearch Tool: Ixquick
I like how Ixquick Does not record your IP address. I know that seems rather simple, but protecting yourself and your personal information is important to me.
I like how Ixquick Rates its sites by stars and how the influence of other search engines are taken into account when rating them. Because of the fact that other search engines rate sites differently, to get a 5 star rating on Ixquick takes a great deal to achieve.
I like how you can Access the information on how to improve your search easily, by clinking on the Advance Search Icon when the advance search box is open. I also like how the Bold words in the advance search box Have explanation bubbles that appear when the cursor arrow is on them. Thus it gives you reminders of what you can do for that field. .
I think this is my favorite features, I like that when you choose a site that a Site Tab opens allowing you to view the site. Then when you're done, you can leave the tab open and go back to the result list or you can close it. To be able to maneuver through sites and leave tabs open so you can return to view or compare information is very beneficial.
NOTE * I found this particular search tool, Metasearch Tool, not has comfortable for me to manipulate as the Internet Search Tool previously used. I don't know if I would utilize it for my next research project.
Subject Directories: INFOMINE
First I choose this site Becka of the fact the on its home page both Search Tips and Advance Search were posted so this information is easy to locate. It also has an Other Search Tools option on the home page.
I like how in the Advanced Search Box you can Modify your Search Options, so you can choose which search categories you would like to focus in such as ejournals etc...
I like how at this same option Search Tips is posted in the right top hand corner and how when you click on it, a box opens to your left allowing you to find tips that may be applicable without you losing site of the screen which you need to fill in.
I like the simple Picture Icons that show how it's been selected, like a "graduation hat" for selected by Librarians.
You can post all results by "Title Only". this turns out to be a long list titles with a Picture Icon next to it which explains how it is selected, if its a fee based site, if on CD Rom, etc.
You can also search by Specific Defined Subtitle Categories, such as Biological, Agricultural & Medical Sciences, Business and Economics, Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Resources, Electronic Journals, Government Information, Maps & GIS, Physical Sciences, Engineering, Computing & Math, Social Sciences & Humanities, and Visual & Performing Arts.
NOTE* I may use these Subject Directories to search ejournals, or even specific Subtitle Categories. but deep web resources also offer this information. .
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