A  Search Methodology Follow these simple steps to focus your search activities, and become much more efficient in doing a search.

I recommend that you follow a structured technique such as:

1. Spell it Out - Define the topic, and generate a list of search terms
2. Strategize - Choose which online tool(s) and resources will work best on your search terms
3. Search - Get online, execute, stay focused, use advanced search features
4. Sift - Filter the results, follow the leads
5. Save - Take notes, organize results, make bookmark/share.

Spell-out the subject you are searching for. Write down any buzzwords, acronyms and abbreviations. Be sure the think about the "who" associated with your subject. Who would be likely to produce or publish the information you are seeking? Is there a well-known expert, university or association that specializes in your subject. The words you write down become the basis for keyword searches later on. For example; a search for cancer treatment information might involve the following terms; cancer, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, melanoma, oncology, NCI ("National Cancer Institute"), AMA ("American Medical Association"), etc.

Decide what are the best online tools to use for each of your specific search terms. This requires that you understand are different strengths and weaknesses of the various online tools. For more information, see my overview of search tools.

• Subject Tree (DMOZ) - Use for general terms and subject keywords only (i.e cancer).
• Search Engines: (google) - Use for detailed, obscure keywords. (i.e. Coetaneous T-Cell Lymphoma/Mycosis Fungicides)
• Virtual Libraries (Joe's Ultimate guide to XYZ, ) - Seek out virtual libraries, if you need an in-depth guide for your subject. (i.e. OncoLink)
• Specialized Tools - There are many specialized tools which can take you to another level of detail.  (see my specialized search tools page). These tools can quickly answer searches within their area of expertise. For example:
• "What is John Doe's Phone number, address, directions to his house, and a listing of all his neighbor's names, phone numbers and addresses?" ( See Anywho)
• "Show me a list of the antique dealers nearest Anytown,US. (see Switchboard)
• Who are the biggest polluters in my county? (See Scorecard)

Your search results depend greatly on how you phrase your keywords. First, be sure you asking the appropriate level of detail for the specific tool you are using (simple words at DMOZ, obscure words and specific phrases at Google). You can focus your results when you take the time to read the help file and construct a more specific query. (See my Search Tools- Advanced Features) Consider these quick tips for Google:

You may be presented with many search results and potential leads. Stop and read, before you click and waste time. Scroll up and down the entire page, and determine which are the most promising links based on the descriptions. Before you click on a link, hover over over the link, and read the link's URL in the browser's feedback area (at the bottom of the screen). You will be surprised how many dead-end links you will avoid just by reading their URLs first. Finally, Whenever you see 2 or more interesting links to pursue, go ahead and explore all of them simultaneously by opening multiple web browsers.

As you look through the search results, you should also be taking notes of new information that you will use in future iterations of your search.

When you discover a great site, be sure to save this discovery, or you are doomed to repeat the search all over again. Methods of saving include:

• Add a bookmark, and organize your bookmarks into folders/submenus (see Bookmark Tips)
• Save a copy of the page to disk using "file" --> "save as"
• Copy and paste selected text directly from the web page into a word processing program. You may also want to copy and paste the URL into the word processor, so later on you will know where the page came from.

Note: This page = http://navigators.com/search_tips.html