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English 2367 -- // Richmond: Befriending Google

int 2.

Sometimes when it really matters, Google lets you down.

It's not you! Unfortunately, it's designed that way.

However! You can learn how to get the most out of your searches by using what are called Search Operators. Search Operators also are used in scholarly databases (like you access through the library) but they are different from the ones Google uses. 

To compare your results, hit the SEARCH button after each one, or substitute your own search in the box. 

This is a typical first search someone might try. 

Google Web Search

You may already know how to make your searches more specific by putting the main terms in quotes, like "mansfield ohio weather" but that is just the beginning!

 

In this search, by using weather:mansfield ohio you'll find similar results to the first search, but also very different ones if you compare the results pages side by side.

Google Web Search

There are many operators you can learn to use, and although they won't all be necessary or useful for you, it's good to know what they are and how to test them.

For example, did you know you can search Google by file type? What happens when you search ohio weather filetype:pfd ?

Google Web Search

What about a term you don't know? How about to keep on topic, we go with search operators? Let's try define:search operators

Google Web Search

Play with these, compare your results, learn some of the others, check out the video below, and when you're ready... move on to the next page: Evaluate & Understand.

videos