A marked difference is the “overall
database” each tool searches through to return results.
Google is going to present
numerous styles of information drawn from the “world-wide web”. Books, news articles,
websites, videos are all presented on the Google search results page. Both
sites will return thousands of entries based upon keywords that are entered.
However, the EAGLEsearch tool uses the contents of the Hunt Library for its search
area. As the library’s function is to aid in research for undergraduate,
graduate, and doctoral candidates, the results will naturally favor scholarly
endeavors.
The ability to narrow the
search via content type and that the library screen presents other, similar
topics after the search is run are both very utile tools for studying and
researching. Google presents a variation of the similar topics search, but it
happens as you enter the term or terms at the outset. The library’s presentation
of terms off to the side, based upon entries that were found under the current
search, looks to be much more conducive to delving deeper into a subject.
Another great tool on the library
results page is the preview button. Being able to retrieve and review a synopsis
of the article without leaving the search page is very handy. Additionally,
there are techniques for entering search terms in EAGLEsearch that help ensure
the returned information pertains to what one needs. These techniques include
using “and, “or”, or “not” between terms, using an asterisk to find all
variants of a word, and using quotation marks to identify a phrase to be searched
as it is written.
Also, the results in a Hunt
Library search present citation type information, allowing for an additional
way to determine usability of the results in a more efficient manner.
The information presented
with each entry regarding its availability is another winning point. Knowing
that the book is available to be retrieved, or not, as well as whether a
document is available for immediate download is valuable data. Yes, Google
results are often available to be looked at immediately; however, there is a
constant risk that the link presented could take one’s browser to a place it
does not want to go.
Most importantly, since
Google has become a sales tool, there are results that are presented because a
fee was collected by Google to ensure a particular entry gets presented first
or in a highlighted manner. The validity of the results is therefore very often
skewed. EAGLEsearch results will be driven solely by the terms and parameters
entered.
The Hunt Library and
EAGLEsearch combo will be a tremendous tool for me as I progress through my
classes. I am very impressed by the power and usability of the program and know
I will only gain more confidence in the EAGLEsearch as I use it more and more.
EAGLEsearch will be a catalyst
of critical thinking. The opportunity to research various points of view
through the library’s assets is a definite benefit to those who use it. I am
very glad to have the opportunity to do so.
No comments:
Post a Comment