Becoming an expert internet searcher

CHICAGO — In an environment where increasing amounts of information (and fake news) flood the internet on websites and social media, the information professional’s job is getting harder. It is important that they are skilled at finding and using the appropriate information and assisting users in working out what information they need and the best way of getting it. Phil Bradley’s new fifth edition of “Expert Internet Searching,” published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, covers the basics of search before going into detail on how to run advanced and complex searches using a variety of different search engines. This edition has been updated to include current trends in search, such as social media search, fake news, and discussion of the authority and validity of search results. It will ensure that information professionals, whether complete beginners or more experienced, are able to work efficiently to obtain accurate information in a timely fashion. Key topics covered include:

• an introduction to the internet and search engines;
• the Google experience and a discussion of its disadvantages;
• directory, clustering and similarity search engines;
• visual and image search engines;
• specialized search engines incorporating academic search and services for children;
• academic and other specialized search engines;
• news-based search engines including traditional media resources and a discussion of fake news;
• social media search engines; and
• hints and tips on better searching.

Bradley is a renowned information specialist, internet consultant and conference speaker specializing in search. He has worked with a number of search engine companies to help them improve their products, and has a popular blog on internet search. He teaches internet search and social media skills to librarians and information professionals both within the UK and abroad. He was the CILIP (the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals) President for two years (2012–13). He also writes a column in the CILIP Update magazine. His previous titles with Facet Publishing include “Social Media for Creative Libraries” (2015).

Facet Publishing, the commercial publishing and bookselling arm of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, is the leading publisher of books for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide. Contact us at (800) 545-2433 ext. 5052 or editionsmarketing@ala.org.

Related Links

"Expert Internet Searching, Fifth Edition"

"Social Media for Creative Libraries"

"Successful Enquiry Answering Every Time, Seventh Edition: Thinking Your Way from Problem to Solution"