4.3 Practice Search III

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	2 hours

04.3 Practice Search III: Subject Directories and Browsing

Warning: Many course participants experience frustration during these Browsing exercises. If this happens, don't exceed the recommended time, even if you don't find what you are looking for.

When using only a Subject Directory, here are two DON'T's:

Don't use the search box on the directory page (it searches the contents of the Directory but doesn't give you practice using browsing)
Don't browse beyond the Search Directory (by going to a listed web site and continuing to browse from there).

Review the strategies for Browsing Directories and the Live Internet in the Main Chat Room Archive (Oct. 19, 2005).

Here's another tip: Information will not necessarily be cataloged where you think it should. For instance, using only a Subject Directory to find a website of an exporter of aromatic chemicals and essential oils from India, this is the path that actually works: Business > Chemicals > Flavors and Fragrances > a list of web pages where such a site is found. "Exporter" is the key to selecting "Business" in this case. There are harder examples, some of which are listed below. When in doubt, look up the meaning of words (e.g., petrochemicals) to develop a list of possible categories where such information may be found.

Why practice browsing? Whenever you click on a result provided by a search engine, you are leaving the comfort of a searchable database and entering the world of information chaos. You have to be very adept at thinking in multiple terms. The word you are thinking of may not be the word the author of the information you need has used. You are searching on a hunch and your odds of success improve in relationship to the number of keywords you have in mind connected to the topic which you are searching. Think of it as playing a game of word association, trying to get closer to the information you want. Sometimes that information is kept behind a link with only (what you might consider) a faint connection to the subject matter.

Subject Directory Challenge

Choose a challenge level that you feel is appropriate:

Challenge Level = 4	Using only a SUBJECT DIRECTORY, find an educational website with tutorials explaining petrochemistry and steps taken to produce petrochemicals
Challenge Level = 5	Using only a SUBJECT DIRECTORY, find music and materials for double bass and violoncello
Challenge Level = 6	Using only a SUBJECT DIRECTORY, find a directory of mystery authors whose last names start with Z
Challenge Level = 7	Using only a SUBJECT DIRECTORY, find a website dedicated to Horology,
Challenge Level = 8	Using only a SUBJECT DIRECTORY, find a website of an Illinois photographer who uses a vintage 1930 Model A as a backdrop in wedding photos.

Open Internet Browsing Challenge

What is the top speed of the fastest animal on earth? (compared to the Challenges above this is at least a level 10. However, the answer can be found in only 4 clicks).

Starting with the hyperlink below, use only browsing to find the speed of the earth's fastest animal. For this Search Challenge, only follow hyperlinks from one page to another. Do not use a search engine (except as a last resort to keep from pulling out your hair). Good Luck!

http://web.mit.edu/redingtn/www/netadv/

Ask yourself: What links have the closest connection to the speed of the fastest animal. Don't go more than 2 links past the last place you felt you knew what you were doing. Backtrack, as necessary. Complete and save a Search History as Search History III, as you did for Practice Search II.

Search History Tasks

Record the steps you use in your searches .
Keep track of the URLs you explore.

Place your completed Search History III in the Drop Box for Week 4 (3 points)