Metasearch engines search multiple search engines simultaneously and display the results together. They are useful for getting a quick overview of search results or when individual search engines are not providing relevant results. While metasearch engines provide fast results from multiple sources, they have limitations such as fewer search options and results that rely more on directories than comprehensive web searches. Examples of metasearch engines include Dogpile, Clusty, Mamma, Hotbot, and Ixquick.

1. I . Metasearch Engines By: Megan Biggi

2. II. How Do They Work A . Intro 1. Multiple Lists. Some metasearchers do not collate multiple-engine search results but display them instead in separate lists as they are received from each engine.

3. III. When do you use Metasearch engines? A. Intro 1. Use metasearchers when you are in a hurry. Metasearch engines are useful and get you a quick overview on a subject and/or term. 2. Use metasearchers when you are looking up simple searches and also when you are not having any luck pulling up documents in your search.

4. IV. Benifits A. Intro 1. Metasearch engines can give you a good general picture of what's available across the Web and where it can be found. 2. Metasearchers are also very fast.

5. V. Disadvantages A. Intro 1. More and more, metasearch engines seem to be casting smaller nets by relying on subject directories and pay-per-click engines for their Web results 2. Metasearch engines don't offer the all of the search options that individual search engines do.

6. VI. Examples A. dogpile.com B. clusty.com C. mamma.com D. hotbot.com E. ixquick.com F. Kartoo.com

7. VII. Bibliography http://www.sc.edu/beaufort/library/pages/bones/lesson2.shtml