The document outlines the goals of a workshop on evaluating website authority and effective search techniques for the web, aimed at library patrons. It provides tips for using Google search more effectively and emphasizes the importance of identifying authoritative sources by checking URLs, content creators, and update dates. Additionally, it encourages familiarity with various web directories and search engines while practicing specific search strategies.

1. Advanced WWW Brought to you by Fresno County Public Library written by Lisa Lindsay, MLIS

2. Class Goals We will cover: Basic facts about the WWW. How to quickly evaluate a website to determine if it’s authoritative Effective search techniques for Google Additional directories and search engines

3. Who is using the WWW “‘ Net is not just for the young anymore.” source: http://pewglobal.org/reports/display.php?ReportID=251

4. How is the WWW being used? Average Web Usage for April 2006 (United States) source: http://www.nielsen-netratings.com/ 00:00:56 Duration of a Web Page Viewed 78:19:30 PC Time Per Person

5. Who do you trust on the Internet? The WWW includes information on hundreds of thousands of computers around the world. It’s important to consider who is writing the information and why they are sharing it. Example

6. Indicators of an Authoritative Site: The URL offers some very basic information that is helpful (for example “ . gov ” for government and “ . edu ” for higher education). A quality websites is upfront about who created the content. Example . Also, each page will indicate when it was last updated. Example . When these details are missing it’s good clue that the site is not an authoritative source.

7. Tips for Google Limit your search! Google Advanced walks you through the options for limiting.

8. More Tips for Google Use quotes. Use minus sign to exclude a word. Use the site operator. (site:gov) For lots more read the Advanced Search tips Google offers: http:// www.google.com/intl/en/help/refinesearch.html

9. Additional Features Offered by Google: Images: http:// images.google.com / Maps and Local: http:// maps.google.com / Many, many more: http:// www.google.com/intl/en/options /

10. Beyond Google Directories http:// dir.yahoo.com / http:// www.lii.org / Other Search Engines http://www.ask.com http://www.answers.com Recommended websites on Hand-out

11. Find it! What was the estimated financial cost to the U.S. of the Vietnam War?

12. Find it! Words to the song “A Natural Woman” by Carol King.

13. Find it! How was Edgar Allan Poe related to Virginia Clem?

14. Find it! Who was head of the Women’s Peace Party during the Progressive Era?

15. Find it! Basic information on each California Mission with pictures.

16. Find It! A brief biography on Arnold Schwarzenegger.

17. Important Reminders Become familiar with a couple of web directories and search engines. Be careful what information you trust -- look for an authoritative source. Practice the search strategies we’ve covered to help make your searches specific. DON’T GIVE UP

18. Creative Commons License Adapted from a workshop created by Nancy Riesgraf for the Hibbing Public Library (MN). Updated June 2006 by Lisa Lindsay, MLIS, of Fresno County Public Library. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike Licensed. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.5/