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ILS 501 S70
Dr. Kim
June 12, 2013
Kelly Roman & Heather O’Connell
Searching
Obtaining access to information has always been a valuable part of human knowledge and growth. People continuously seek information as a way to further develop understanding, to learn new knowledge, or simply for personal enjoyment. While there are endless ways for a person to search for information, recent technological advances have changed accessibility and preferred search methods.
Although the Internet was first developed in the late 1960’s it wasn’t until the early 1990’s that the first search providers appeared. With the introduction of search engines and Web browsers the Internet entered the mainstream (Morrison 2004). According to a May 2013 survey 85% of adults living in the United States use the Internet (MOZ). One of the most common reason for individuals to go online is to search for information (Kraut, Lundmark,, Kiesler, Mukhopadhyay, and William). There is a reason why people say, “You can find anything online these days.” Although not entirely accurate, this is a belief that many people have and as a result the Internet is often a source of information for anything from recipes and pop culture to health information and even e-government services. Broadband Internet, WiFi and Smartphones are also reasons why the Internet is often a first choice as an informational reference. 74% of teens and 55% of adults claim that they are “mobile Internet users” (Madden, Lenhart, Duggan, Cortesi, and Gasser 2013). When looking for quick information it is becoming more favorable to look towards the Internet as opposed to searching out books or people. Having a mobile device in one’s pocket and instant access to the Internet often makes searching easy and convenient and therefore a preferred method in our modern society.
When performing searches most people use the information available in the public Web. The public Web is the “portion of the Web that is the most visible and readily accessible to the average Web user. A public Web site contains free, unrestricted access to a significant portion of its content” (O’Neill, Lavoie and Bennett). Since the inception of the Internet the number of public Web sites as well as the information available on those sites has grown significantly, although it is now beginning to plateau. In the mid 1980’s the estimated number of websites was several thousand. In 2010 it jumped to over a quarter-billion sites” (Storey 2013).
With all of that information, inevitably there are concerns that users should be aware of. Even though the Internet is used as a preferred method of searching, the information obtained is not always accurate or reliable. Anyone can post information to their own website. When navigating the public Web users need to know how to search for useful and reliable information in order to maximize their search effort.
There are a variety of search engines available, each with unique search tactics. In order to receive the best results the user should be familiar with the search engine, the searching methods available as well as understanding how to decipher the results displayed. An August 2011 PEW Internet study revealed that 59% of adult Internet users use search engines on a typical day and that Google sites led the U.S. search market with 65.4% of the searches conducted, followed by Yahoo! with 17.2 percent and Microsoft with 13.4% (MOZ). With all search engines, one can perform a basic search by typing in keywords or, with a little more knowledge and understanding, an advanced search with more specific criteria. Being familiar with “stop words,” or words that search engines are designed to ignore, will also maximize search results (Sherman 2002). Search engines even have the ability to search the Internet for product prices, for example, and send an e-mail directly to the user with any information uncovered. Search engine abilities seem to be expanding rapidly but it takes a certain “know-how” from the user to be able reveal the best results. For example, Pay for Inclusion (PFI) or Pay for Placement (PFP) programs are common. Paying for a top spot will ensure that a website is included in the search engine and even that it has a more desirable location in a search result (Morrison 2004).
The deep or invisible web are terms that are used to describe a type of advanced internet searching involving information not visible during a typical public web search. This “hidden” information is actually available on the Internet, but requires certain and specific skills in order to access. There are many reasons why an organization or individual may want to keep information from the vast public, and it is true that some things are just not on the web... but a great deal of information exists that is unbeknownst to the public.
The problem is that vast expanses of the Web are completely invisible to general-purpose search engines like AltaVista, HotBot, and Google. Even worse, this “Invisible Web” is in all likelihood growing significantly faster than the visible Web that you’re familiar with. It’s not that the search engines and Web directories are “stupid” or even badly engineered. Rather, they simply can’t “see” millions of high-quality resources that are available exclusively on the Invisible Web. (Sherman & Price, 2007)
The invisible web or deep web is rather like a construct. In order to study it and eventually be able to access it, you first have to knowledge that it exists in the first place. Creating a map of the deep web has proved challenging for experts. Part of the confusion is in the “why” behind the decision for search engines to NOT include material in their search results. Sometimes it is because they simply cannot find or read the information, sometimes the information is disconnected because it is not commonly searched for and other times it is ‘privacy protected’ from the mass public, despite the fact that if you look hard enough you can actually find it. There are many search tools in the visible web that are still misunderstood by users, that to introduce the invisible side seems overwhelming. Part of navigating through invisible material is preparing for the fact that with increased volume of information comes increased spam material and useless sites. While much of the data available on the deep Web is actually authoritative and very high quality, sometimes more so than the visible web, shuffling through the spam should be expected. (Pedley, 2001) “A MORI research poll conducted on behalf of Mediapps revealed that 97% of internet users believe that it has lots of useful information. However, one in five of these users always feels that there might be something better on another site but do not know where to find it.” (Pedley, 2001)
Infomine. Infomine is an example of an Invisible Web Tool that allows users to search scholarly articles from a variety of academic sources. It provides users with academic journal articles that have passed through spam and useless info filters. Here is what it looks:
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Metadata is an important part of searching for information on the Web. Metadata, or data about data had been an essential part of cataloging information. Card cataloging is an example of metadata. There are basically three different types of metadata, descriptive- identifying information about data, structural - how objects are ordered and administrative-helps with management of information. Metadata can be embedded when dealing with digital information or stored separately. (NISO) So what does metadata mean to the average internet searcher? Metadata can assist an internet explorer in creating a more specific environment for information retrieval. In laymen’s terms, it can get you more accurate results while maintaining the integrity and archival preservation of the information. Search engines use embedded metadata in keyword searches, so a web publishers decision to or not to embed this material can make a big difference in what is available to a user on the the visible web specifically. (Dimitroff & Zhang, 2004)
Social media also tends to be a popular method of searching for information. Traditionally, social media was a way to keep up with friends and pop culture but it is increasingly becoming a valuable informational tool for news media as well as an educational reference guide. The top 28% of search engine results are social media sites (Spilde). #engchat on Twitter provides instant access to thousands of English teachers sharing information, ideas and tips. Similarly, @alanews provides information in library trends and @nytimes is a great way to keep updated on news stories. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn blogs, podcasts, and other forms of social media are popular methods of searching in today’s tech savvy society.
Regardless of the type of search performed, when searching on the Web a user leaves a digital footprint behind. Keystrokes are recorded and sometimes even personal information is unknowingly divulged. Recently the PRISM program has raised privacy concerns. Through the PRISM program, the United States government has the ability to track e-mails, chat rooms and a variety of other social media pages or Internet searches without a judge’s approval (WP Politics). Internet privacy is a complicated issue and often the boundaries are unclear. The Internet, especially the public Web, was designed as an open research tool and was not designed for privacy or security. As a result, searching done on the Internet is often recorded and a permanent record kept. Criminals have found ways to steal this personal information and use or sell it for their own benefit. But it is not just criminals and scammers that one has to be wary of. The advertisement world is also very interested in what consumers are searching. The data world is very powerful and often every click a consumer makes is tracked (Sullivan). When searching on a private computer it is easy to forget this, but regardless of how vigilant a person is the threat losing control over one’s personal information is something that can affect anyone.
Although the Internet is becoming increasingly popular it is, of course, not the only method of searching for information. Libraries are still valuable sources of informational resources. Libraries provided trained professionals to assist in searching informational needs as well as resources that either do not exist on the Web, or, are costly. It may not be as fast or convenient to search for information in a library but it may yield stronger results. Libraries are also full of people willing to help. These “human search engines” can help people locate materials as well as provide skill training. Most public libraries offer informational courses to assist patrons in developing skills or furthering their knowledge. For example, In Hartford’s Public Library their “end to end” program provides free “instructional courses to help newcomers make the transition to America” (ALA). Most libraries also offer courses for people looking to develop technological or language skills. For people who could benefit from these services, searching for them through a local library is often convenient and affordable.
Libraries and the Internet can also merge as a powerful search tool. Connecticut’s iConn provides advanced searches in magazines, journals, newspapers as well as access to the statewide library catalog (). Often, libraries offer “Net access to an increasingly wide range of databases that don’t exist on the open Web” (Manes 2005). Accessing this deeper part of the Web may help provide more useful and reliable information depending on one’s search criteria. Another example of libraries evolving with technology is the use of Quick Response (QR) codes. Contra Costa County’s library in California offers instant access to library materials and services to cardholders with mobile phones. By scanning the code on their phone, users can download e-books and audiobooks, museum passes, reference services, and perform catalog searching among other activities (ALA). The library is still a valuable place to search information even when traditional searching methods are not used.
The way of searching is evolving as technology becomes more accessible and Internet connections are more widespread. Searching is a way of daily life and although technology has in some ways made it easier, it doesn’t universally mean that it is more effective. As a result of modern conveniences people are used to instant gratification. Searching is no exception. But faster doesn’t necessarily mean better. When searching for information a user needs to determine their informational needs and the most effective way for them to individually search them out.
References
ALA, U.S. Public Libraries Weather Storm: Innovative services continue despite continuous budget cuts, 2012
Dimitroff, A. & Zhang , J., (2004). The impact of metadata implementation on webpage visibility in search engine results (Part II). Science Direct. Retrieved from
Kraut, Robert, Lundmark, Vicky, Kiesler, Sara, Mukhopadhyay, Tridas and Scherlis, William,
“Why People Use the Internet,” Carnegie Mellon University
Madden, Mary, Lenhart, Amanda, Duggan, Maeve, Cortesi, Sandra and Gasser, Urs, “Teens and Technology,” Pew Internet Study, March 13, 2013
Manes, Stephen, “Google Isn’t Everything,” , 08.15.05
Morrison, Diane See, “History of search: finding things on the Web has blossomed from a simple word search into a whole new marketing opportunity,” New Media Age, Februrary 19, 2004
MOZ chapter 2: how people interact with search engines
NISO Press (2004). Understanding Metadata. Retrieved from
Oblinger, Diana and Oblinger, James, “Students Recognize Technology as ‘Part of Our World,’” EDUCAUSE, October 23, 2004
O’Neil, Edward T., Lavoie, Bria F., and Bennett, Rick, “Trends in the Evolution of the Public Web,” D-Lib Magazine, April 2003, Volume 9 Number 4, ISSN 1082-9873
Pedley, P. (2001). The invisible web: Searching the hidden parts of the internet. London: Aslib-IMI.
Sherman, C. B., & Price, G. (2007). The invisible web: Uncovering information sources search engines can't see. Medford: CyberAge Books.
Sherman, Chris, “Seven Stupid Searching Mistakes, Part I,” March 26, 2002
Spilde, Bethany, Social Buzz Media, Social Media Success Guide for Employment, “A Simple Resource Guide Tailored to Dual Career Center Professionals & Job Seekers,”
Sullivan, Bob, “Online Privacy Fears are Real: More People are Tracking You Thank You Think,” ,
Storey, Philip. “Internet.” Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia, Grolier Online, 2013, Web 12 June 2013
Turner, T. (2002, February). What Is Metadata?. Retrieved June 2013, from
Dimitroff, A. & Zhang , J., (2004). The impact of metadata implementation on webpage visibility in search engine results (Part II). Science Direct. Retrieved from
WP Politics, NSA Slides Explain the PRISM data-collection program,
Discussion Questions
Discussion Questions:
1. Do you have a right to privacy on the Internet? Some things to consider: when you search on Google your search records are permanently saved unless you specifically click privacy options. Companies keep track of items viewed and target consumers for items they might be interested in based on previous searches. Is this overstepping bounds or should people assume that their Internet search activity leaves a permanent record?
2. How have search engines changed the way we organize our thoughts about the world, and how we work? Do you agree that our width of information has never been greater, but perhaps our depth is being compromised?
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