Web Directories and Search Engines
Subject Guides » Web Directories and Search Engines
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- Check out our Invisible Web subject guide to find web pages that are not indexed by a typical search engine.
- See our Online Databases to search for articles, books, citations, and other materials available from the library's subscription databases.
Search Engine News and Comparisons
- Search Engine Showdown
http://searchengineshowdown.com/
This site reviews and compares search engines, directories, etc. It is also a good way to keep up to date with changes in popular search engines such as Google.
- Search Engine Watch
http://searchenginewatch.com/
News and commentary on the search industry. This site is particularly good for folks with websites who want to make their sites easier to find. "Search Engine Watch provides tips and information about searching the web, analysis of the search engine industry and help to site owners trying to improve their ability to be found in search engines."
Web Directories
- Internet Public Library (IPL)
http://www.ipl.org/
The first public library of and for the Internet community offering great subject links.
- Refdesk.com
http://refdesk.com/
A free and family-friendly web site that indexes and reviews quality, credible, and current web-based resources.
- Springfield Library: Reference Desk Bookmarks
http://www.springfieldlibrary.org/liblinks/bookmarks.html
A fantastic compilation of resources on the Web, organized by librarians at the Springfield Library. Also try their directory.
- BUBL Information Service
http://bubl.ac.uk/
Extensive catalog of Internet resources that organizes its subject guides by the Dewey Decimal Classification system.
- Library Spot
http://www.libraryspot.com/
A free library directory. Provides lists of libraries, and many sources for virutally any information need such as almanacs, encylopedias, dictionaries and biographies.
- Digital Librarian
http://www.digital-librarian.com/
A librarian's choice of the best of the Web.
- MaryLaine's Guide to the Net
http://marylaine.com/
One Librarian's Guide to the World Wide Web.
Search Engines
- AltaVista
http://www.altavista.com/
Offers a wide range of searching commands.
- Bing
http://www.bing.com/
Bing is a search engine that finds and organizes the answers you need so you can make faster, more informed decisions.
- Google
http://www.google.com
Our preferred search engine. For Google tips and tricks, check out the Google Cheat Sheet
- Duck Duck Go
http://duckduckgo.com/
An easy to use search engine that goes out of its way to ensure your privacy. Duck Duck Go does not retain any personal information other than settings which you personally set.
- Yahoo!
http://www.yahoo.com/
- Gigablast
http://www.gigablast.com
An excellent choice for searching government sites, blogs, or typing in general questions.
- SweetSearch
http://www.sweetsearch.com/
A search engine for students where all results come from websites selected for their quality and research value. A good alternative search engine when doing research for school.
MetaSearch Engines
Metasearch engines allow you to search multiple search engines at once. For a good summary of the pros and cons of using a metasearch engine see the Metasearch Engine Summary from USC Beaufort's Library.
- Ask.com
http://www.ask.com/
Uses clusters to find results.
- DogPile
http://www.dogpile.com/
Search Google, MSN, Yahoo!, and Ask.com all at once...
- Hotbot
http://www.hotbot.com/
Searches Yahoo, lyGo.com, and MSN.
- IxQuick
http://us.ixquick.com/eng/
Searches AltaVista/AllTheWeb, Go, Overture, Ask Jeeves/Teoma, MSN, Wikipedia, EntireWeb, Netscape, WiseNut, Gigablast, Open Directory, Yahoo.