SSDT: Google as a Librarian
In our Same Stuff, Different Tools (SSDT) series, we'll start where most people start -- Google.
I remember decades ago when we had a question, we'd call the librarian. Of course, there was no Google, no Barnes & Noble, and Dave Taylor wasn't taking questions yet.
We'd ask the librarian our question, and often they would ask a question back -- just trying to be clear about our question. We'd be put on hold a few minutes and presto! Our question was answered.
Today, we often go to Google for these questions. The answers come quicker -- but only if we're clear and specific with our questions.
When I do a Google search, the first place my eyes go on the results page is how many results appear:
If there are more than six figures, I need a more specific query. Let's try it:
Much better!
There are other 'thin-slice' muscles we can build to make sure we get great information from the results Google provides -- and we'll go over some of those in future posts -- but for now, know that Google is more than a "search engine." In fact, Google can be a "find engine" if you know how to change your Google inquiry.
Related Posts Elsewhere:
- How to Get Better Google Search Results
- 50 Awesome Searches Every Librarian Should Know About
#SSDT
Comments