Web Search Savvy: Strategies and Shortcuts for Online Research

Citation

Parry, F. (2005), "Web Search Savvy: Strategies and Shortcuts for Online Research", Online Information Review, Vol. 29 No. 6, pp. 690-691. https://doi.org/10.1108/14684520510638160

Web Search Savvy enters a fairly crowded marketplace for books on effective searching techniques. The publicity on the rear cover says that this book is aimed at “readers of all skill levels”, although it is probably more correct to say that it is aimed at the absolute beginner. Friedman is a journalist and brings to online searching a certain sharpness and ability to “ferret out what seems most important”.

The first chapter is called Getting Started and deals with first principle themes such as getting acquainted with computers before buying, getting online, choosing and getting the best from a browser, organising time online efficiently. Although fairly elementary, it deals competently with basic themes in a clear, concise manner and covers the ground well. This chapter, along with all succeeding chapters, has a useful summary “tips for smart searches” section.

The second and third chapters are the most valuable in the book and concentrate on the effective use of search engines. Friedman comes into her own as she discusses the various merits of the search engine and search directory, the superiority of the advanced search, the careful selection of search terms, domain searching and keeping up to date with changes in search engines. Reading the section on Boolean logic, I was reminded of the sheer frustration I have at the inadequacy of many search engines and what many suspect is the deliberate policy of limiting the ability to construct precise search‐building strategies. Friedman agrees and at one point argues that the inability of some engines to use Boolean is a ploy to make users wander about the sponsored advertising sites rather than reach their precise goal.

The fourth chapter is concerned with keeping up to date using mailing lists, web logs and the like. In a smart turn of phrase, Friedman engagingly refers to this activity as “covering her beat”. The fifth chapter, about finding people again, benefits from a journalist's keen eye for detective work and thoroughness. The sixth chapter is entitled Finding and Using Databases and is less successful than the previous chapters. Many of the examples are drawn from Friedman's journalist experience and will be of considerable value for students of journalism, mass communication and media. However, there is a lack of information on academic or educational databases, and there is mention of just one reference from among the many excellent academic or research subject gateways available. There is also a marked bias towards material from the United States and, to a lesser extent, the UK.

The seventh chapter is something of a return to form and concerns what journalists should always be aware of: evaluating the information. Not all books on internet searching spend enough time on this subject, but Friedman is particularly good at stressing the importance of verifying sources and making sure that sites are evaluated for credibility, authority and currency.

There are a number of helpful appendices such as Internet domains and country codes, useful websites and a glossary. This is a good general starter book for the beginner and will help many online searchers organise their time online more efficiently and effectively.