I’m sure you all use Google, so here are some useful tips for you when searching the internet!
Remember if you need any assistance when searching the internet or seeking information the library are trained in locating and retrieving reliable and accurate information.
Not sure what word to use or want to maximize your results?
Try this symbol ~ (located on the top left of your keyboard)
For example
~run
Will also look for runners, running, marathon
~volunteer
Will also look for volunteering, non-profit, community service, internship
What does it do? It searches the google index for words / concepts that are similar! Kind of like a giant thesaurus.
Truncating searches.
I’m sure many of you already know this one, but if not, its great as it finishes the word for you. Did you know it also works in the middle of the sentence? (Great for the spelling impaired)
Example
bicycl*
bicycle, bicycles, bicycling, bicyclists
Need a particular file type?
Try the following
thucydides +"letype:pdf
doc, ppt, xls...
Why would you want to do this? A lot of information of the net isn’t published as a webpage, this means that when google tries to find it can’t search those key terms. By specifying a file type you can find things on the “dark web”.
Need something specific?
Try
“fairy tales” +prince -dragons
fairy tales that contain princes but no dragons
The advanced search function can also be used to the same effect.
Google Timeline rocks my world!
This is by far the coolest thing ever!!
Alright EVERYONE I want you to try this. Go to google and type in Queen Elizabeth view:timeline
Be amazed!! Scroll the timeline up and down to pick different historical periods.
This is a fantastic tool for students if they are unsure of dates etc.
Other cool Google Stuff
Google is a calculator! Just type in the sum and google will give you the answer!
Google is a dictionary! Just type in the word with define in front of it eg. Define:plasma
Google site specific searching! Want to get your information from a specific site?
Try this - plasma site:smh.com.au
This search will give you information on plasmas specifically from the Sydney morning herald.
