Google Search Secrets

by Christa Burns, Michael P. Sauers

Google can be an incredibly powerful tool for research, but the top-of-the-page results are seldom the most beneficial to library users and students, and many of the search engine's most useful features are hidden behind its famously simple interface. Burns and Sauers reveal the secrets of effective Google searches in this invaluable resource showing how to get the most out of the service, with

* An overview of all the tool's search services, including Image, Maps, News, Blogs, Discussions, Scholar, Patents, and Books
* Ready-to-use instructions on how to go beyond the simple search box and top results to get library users the answers they need, fast
* Straightforward guidance on using filters to refine search results, with examples of common searches like images with Creative Commons licenses, news searches set for a date range or into an archive, and videos with closed captioning
* An explanation of the bibliography manager feature of Google Scholar, which allows students and researchers to build bibliographies with ease
* Tips for configuring Safe Search on workstations in children's departments and schools

Copious screenshots walk readers through each topic step by step, making this a true how-to guide for everyone who uses Google.

Genres: Reference, Professional Development, Library Science, Nonfiction, Technology, Education

224 pages, ebook

First published July 1, 2013

Reviews

[High Plains Library District · Rating 4 out of 5]

A practical book for the geek in all of us. It covers general searching on up to academic research. Easy to read with screenshots and comfortable layout, I recommend this book to anyone curious about Google or wanting to take your searching skills to the next level.

~ Victoria

[Christa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Google's mission is to "organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful." Although, I'm sure it's impossible to include all things about how to navigate through Google in one book, this book did a a pretty good job at highlighting the important search options for the general public to the academic student. The coolest sections helps you search for patents and music. Complete with screenshot photos, this book is great for librarians and teachers to help enhance their knowledge of locating information.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A practical book for the geek in all of us. It covers general searching on up to academic research. Easy to read with screenshots and comfortable layout, I recommend this book to anyone curious about Google or wanting to take your searching skills to the next level.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and full of informative screenshots, but unfortunately in the fast-moving world of Google, already quite a bit of the information is out of date. :-(