Advanced Searching
Advanced searching techniques can help to improve your search results. Search engines can vary in the way that they search for and organise information, so for best results check their help screen for advice.Google have an Advanced Search page that can be found by clicking on the cog shape at the top of their home page (see image below). The Google Search Tips webpage has sections on basic search tips, further search tips and other search options for more advanced searching.
More help with advanced searching techniques and advice on how to use them can be found in Module 2 of our online information skills tutorial Pilot. It contains information on developing your search terms, as well as information on improving your search strategies by using methods such as Boolean operators and truncation symbols.
Search providers have also developed search engines for different kinds of resources. Google in particular have a large number of different search options for you to take advantage of. For example:
- Google Images allows you to search images by keyword. You can filter your results by colour, size, source, file type and usage rights by using the Advanced Image Search.
- Google Books searches an increasing number of digitised books. Many books are offered as a preview or full-text.
- Google Maps is very useful for journey planning and finding local businesses and landmarks. Google maps can also be used in unique and novel ways, for example Kew Gardens has created a global map showing the locations of plants at risk of extinction.
- Google News allows you to search and browse the top news stories from a variety of news websites.
Don't forget to also check the Digital Library Advanced (Subject) Search page to find specialist resources for your subject area.